Borrower Services | Los Angeles Public Library
Source: https://www.lapl.org/about-lapl/borrower-services
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
Borrower Services | Los Angeles Public Library
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Applying for a Library Card
Loan Periods / Limits / Fines
Fees | Returning Library Materials
Your Library Record
Renewing Library Materials
Holds/Reserves
E-Mail Notification
En español
Applying for a Library Card
Library Cards are free to residents of California. You must, however, have photo identification with your name and current address. Identification can be a California driver’s license or an ID card issued by the DMV. ID cards issued by the Mexican, Argentinian and Korean consulates can be used as the sole ID requirement for obtaining a library card.
If you don’t have a driver’s license or ID card, then present two of the following, one of which must be a photo ID and one of which must have your current address: passport, school ID card, other government issued photo ID, employee ID card, printed personal check, credit card statement, rental or property tax receipt, or business mail with current postmark.
If you are under the age of eighteen, identification is not required. Your parent or guardian’s signature on the library card application is accepted instead of identification.
To receive a library card:
Fill out an application in person at any
Los Angeles Public Library location
, or
Download the application form (pdf)
, fill it out and bring it in to any location, or
Pre-register over the Internet by visiting the
Library’s Web Pre-Registration Page
.
e-Cards
Residents of Los Angeles can get an e-Card by registering online. An
e-Card provides access to online databases and downloadable e-media.
Patrons who already have a regular
library card do not need an e-Card.
e-Card Registration - English
e-Card Registration - Español
If you are a teacher, you can apply for a
Teacher Card
.
Loan Periods /
Limits / Fines / Fees
Most library materials are loaned for 3 weeks. Failure to return materials
may result in the borrower’s account being turned over to
Unique National Collections, a materials recovery agency.
There is a maximum of 30 items allowed on the patron’s record. A teacher
using a Teacher's Library Card may borrow a total of 50 items, with some
restrictions, at any given time with librarian approval. 30 items may be
charged at any given time to a Homebound borrower and 500 items to a
Depository Loan borrower.
Different loan periods and fees may apply to materials not listed below.
Ask library staff for details.
Loan Periods
Material: type of item
Loan Period
Circulating books, magazines, audiobooks
3 weeks
DVDs, videocassettes, music cassettes and CDs
1 week
Lost or Damaged Items
Lost or Damaged Material
Fee (per item)
Hardback book (Adult/YA)
$25.00
Hardback book (Juvenile)
$15.00
Paperback book
$10.00
Audiobook or CD
$25.00 ($60.00 for whole set)
DVD
$30.00
Other Fees
Item
Fee (per item)
Non-Resident Library Card (Outside of California)
For applicants whose permanent address is outside of California,
there is a non-resident fee of $50.00. Non-resident cards are
issued and renewed in person only, at the time of payment. Cards
are not issued through the mail.
$50 annually
Returning Library Materials
Items checked out from any Los Angeles Public Library may be returned to
any of its 72 branches or to the Central Library. Items may be returned in
person or through a bookdrop. At Central Library, bookdrops are located at
the Flower and Hope Street entrances and curbside at the 5th Street
entrance.
Your Library Record
By entering your 14 digit library card number or 12 digit e-card number and PIN on the
Patron Validation Screen
you have access to your personal library record. You will be able to
review items currently checked out on your library card, including overdue
and lost items. You can renew items and review the status of titles you
have placed on hold. You can also cancel holds on items you no longer
need. Use the
Change of Address Form
to report changes in your account.
Renewing Library Materials
Most items may be renewed a maximum of three times. Reference materials
may not be renewed nor items for which there are pending holds or
reserves.
Eligible items will be automatically renewed on the due date. You may also renew items over the web by accessing
your library record
or by phone: (888) 577- LAPL. Renewals grant you an additional loan period from the renewal date.
The library also offers a Telephone Circulation Service. If you have a
touch tone phone, you can renew your items by telephone, 24 hours a day,
by calling the toll-free number: (888) 577-5275. If you are outside the
toll-free area, dial (213) 623-9930. Telephone circulation also lets you
review your library record to find out what you have checked out, when it
is due, if items you reserved are being held for you, and if you have any
unpaid fines or fees.
Holds/Reserves
You can place a hold on an item free of charge from any library terminal,
or over the web by clicking "
Catalog
"
on the library’s web page. After searching for the title you want to
reserve, select the library location to which you want the item sent and
we will notify you by e-mail, a computer-generated telephone call or a
postcard when it is available for pick up. If you need help with the hold
service, library staff will guide you through the process or place the
hold for you. The maximum number of holds on a patron record at any time
is 30. If no copy becomes available, your hold may be canceled
automatically.
E-mail Notification
If you would like an e-mail reminder when your library materials are due,
when they are overdue, and when items placed on hold are available for
pick-up, please contact your local library agency. You may also submit your e-mail address online in the
Enhanced My Account
.
Español
Kids & Parents
Teens
How Do I?
How do I get a library card?
How do I get a Student Success Card?
How do I print from my laptop? (wireless printing)
How do I reserve a computer?
How do I renew my books?
How do I update my address/phone/e-mail online?
SEE MORE FAQs >>>
My Library Account
Enhanced Catalog Account
Get a Library Card
Reserve a Computer
Ask a Librarian
Book a Librarian
Find A Library
Connect with LAPL
Facebook
instagram
YouTube
Newsletter
Top
LAPL Home
My Account
Books & E-Media
Blog
Book Bundles To Go
Catalog
Branch Periodical Subscription List
E-Media
Freegal Music
Kanopy
L.A. in Focus Videos
New York Times Digital
Freegal Music
hoopla
Kanopy
LAPL Reads
Book Lists
New Books by Genre
Staff Reviews
RSS Feeds
Resources for Readers
LAPL Writes
Book Lists
Online Resources
Indie Author Project
Submission Policy
Events
Language Collections
Libby (Overdrive)
New York Times Digital
Podcasts
ALOUD
Children Chatting
Poet Laureate
Zines
Read Freely
Education & Research
Databases - Research & Homework
California Index
Government Documents
High School Diploma
LAPL Indexes
Behymer Collection Index
Bookplate Collection
Business Magazine Index
Business & Economics Reference Works
California Documents Index
California Fiction Index
California Index
California Prints Index
Casey Fashion Plates
City Directories Index
Cookery Ephemera Index
Environmental Impact Reports
Genealogy & Local History Index
Gladys English
Government Documents - Business
Japanese Prints Index
Library Images Index
Lummis Autograph Collection Index
Menu Collection
Native American Index
Orchestration Catalog
Play File Index
Public Art Index
Series and Sequels
Short Story File Index
Song Index
Theater Program Collection
Toy Movable Database
Turnabout Theater Archive
LinkedIn Learning
Online Learning
Research Guides
Aerial Photographs
African -American Literature (PDF)
African-American Ingenuity
Bilingual English-Spanish Material (PDF)
Census Tract Maps (PDF)
Environmental Impact Reports
Financing New Business (PDF)
Food and Drink
Genealogy
Grants
History of Your House
Holiday Cookery
Job Hunting and Money Guides
Literary Criticism Locator
Map Collection
Maps of Los Angeles
Military and Industry Standards and Specifications
Newspapers
Obituaries in LA County
Philosophy Research
Play Locator
Representative Maps in Los Angeles History and Growth
Sanborn Fire Insurance Atlases
Sheet Music Locator
Short Story Locator
Small Business Research (PDF)
Treaty Research
Vital Records
Student Success
Verify Student Success Card
Tessa: Photo & Digital Collections
L.A. in Focus Videos
Shades of L.A. Oral Histories
Services & Programs
Adult Literacy
Ask a Librarian
Be a Successful Street Vendor
Overview & Permits
Cell-Ed Pathways
Resources & Links
Small Business Help
Book a Librarian
Community Outreach
Cybernauts
Explore L.A.
Homeless Resources
Jobs, Money & Small Business
Memory Lab
New Americans
Octavia Lab & Koreatown Media Lab
Reentry Resources
Reserve a Computer
Seniors
State Park Pass
STEAM
Tech2go
Veterans Resources
Wireless Printing
Neighborhood Science
Events
Adults
Babies & Toddlers
Bilingual Events
Calendar
Celebrations
Central 100 Celebration
Expedition L.A.
Exhibits
Kids
L.A. Made
Seniors
Teens
Locations & Hours
All Branches
Central Library
Departments and Services
Art, Music, & Recreation Department
Business and Economics Department
Children's Literature Department
Computer Center
History & Genealogy Department
International Languages Department
Literature & Fiction Department
Low-Vision Service Centers
Popular Library
Science, Technology, & Patents Department
Social Science, Philosophy & Religion Department
Special Collections
Appointment Request Form
Appraisals
Californiana
Gifts/Donations
Introduction to Special Collections
Mexicana
Photographs
The Special Collections Room Story
Teen'Scape
Directions
Parking
Art And Architecture
Central Library Video Wall
Historical Portraits Project
Goodhue Building
Painting
Public Art Projects
The Literate Fence Quotations
Sculpture
Themes and Inscriptions
Tom Bradley Wing
Central Library Docent Tours
Central Library Virtual Tour
Facility Rentals
Policies
Rates & Occupancy
Holiday Closures
Get Involved
Become a Friend of the Library
Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
Make a Donation
Shop The Library Store
Volunteer
About LAPL
Accessibility & ADA Services
Angel City Press
App
Blog
Board of Library Commissioners
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas & Minutes Archive
Board Members
Borrower Services
City Librarian
Connect With Us
Contact Us
eCard Registration
infoNow (Ask A Librarian)
Change of Address
Suggest a Purchase
Library Card Pre-Registration
Solicitud de tarjeta electrónica
Pregúntale a un bibliotecario
Formulario de cambio de dirección
Sugerir una Compra
Solicitud de tarjeta
Jobs & Business Opportunities
Perform at LAPL
Press Room
Press Release Archive
Press Images - Branch Libraries
Press Images - Central Library
Rules of Conduct
Staff Directory
Volunteer Opportunities
Español
¿Qué hay de nuevo?
Títulos recomendados
Ciudadanía
Kids & Parents
Teens
ADA
App
Blog
Connect With Us
Contact Us
FAQs
Online Privacy Policy
Site Map
Jump to Navigation
Jump to Content
Applying for a Library Card
Loan Periods / Limits / Fines
Fees | Returning Library Materials
Your Library Record
Renewing Library Materials
Holds/Reserves
E-Mail Notification
En español
Applying for a Library Card
Library Cards are free to residents of California. You must, however, have photo identification with your name and current address. Identification can be a California driver’s license or an ID card issued by the DMV. ID cards issued by the Mexican, Argentinian and Korean consulates can be used as the sole ID requirement for obtaining a library card.
If you don’t have a driver’s license or ID card, then present two of the following, one of which must be a photo ID and one of which must have your current address: passport, school ID card, other government issued photo ID, employee ID card, printed personal check, credit card statement, rental or property tax receipt, or business mail with current postmark.
If you are under the age of eighteen, identification is not required. Your parent or guardian’s signature on the library card application is accepted instead of identification.
To receive a library card:
Fill out an application in person at any
Los Angeles Public Library location
, or
Download the application form (pdf)
, fill it out and bring it in to any location, or
Pre-register over the Internet by visiting the
Library’s Web Pre-Registration Page
.
e-Cards
Residents of Los Angeles can get an e-Card by registering online. An
e-Card provides access to online databases and downloadable e-media.
Patrons who already have a regular
library card do not need an e-Card.
e-Card Registration - English
e-Card Registration - Español
If you are a teacher, you can apply for a
Teacher Card
.
Loan Periods /
Limits / Fines / Fees
Most library materials are loaned for 3 weeks. Failure to return materials
may result in the borrower’s account being turned over to
Unique National Collections, a materials recovery agency.
There is a maximum of 30 items allowed on the patron’s record. A teacher
using a Teacher's Library Card may borrow a total of 50 items, with some
restrictions, at any given time with librarian approval. 30 items may be
charged at any given time to a Homebound borrower and 500 items to a
Depository Loan borrower.
Different loan periods and fees may apply to materials not listed below.
Ask library staff for details.
Loan Periods
Material: type of item
Loan Period
Circulating books, magazines, audiobooks
3 weeks
DVDs, videocassettes, music cassettes and CDs
1 week
Lost or Damaged Items
Lost or Damaged Material
Fee (per item)
Hardback book (Adult/YA)
$25.00
Hardback book (Juvenile)
$15.00
Paperback book
$10.00
Audiobook or CD
$25.00 ($60.00 for whole set)
DVD
$30.00
Other Fees
Item
Fee (per item)
Non-Resident Library Card (Outside of California)
For applicants whose permanent address is outside of California,
there is a non-resident fee of $50.00. Non-resident cards are
issued and renewed in person only, at the time of payment. Cards
are not issued through the mail.
$50 annually
Returning Library Materials
Items checked out from any Los Angeles Public Library may be returned to
any of its 72 branches or to the Central Library. Items may be returned in
person or through a bookdrop. At Central Library, bookdrops are located at
the Flower and Hope Street entrances and curbside at the 5th Street
entrance.
Your Library Record
By entering your 14 digit library card number or 12 digit e-card number and PIN on the
Patron Validation Screen
you have access to your personal library record. You will be able to
review items currently checked out on your library card, including overdue
and lost items. You can renew items and review the status of titles you
have placed on hold. You can also cancel holds on items you no longer
need. Use the
Change of Address Form
to report changes in your account.
Renewing Library Materials
Most items may be renewed a maximum of three times. Reference materials
may not be renewed nor items for which there are pending holds or
reserves.
Eligible items will be automatically renewed on the due date. You may also renew items over the web by accessing
your library record
or by phone: (888) 577- LAPL. Renewals grant you an additional loan period from the renewal date.
The library also offers a Telephone Circulation Service. If you have a
touch tone phone, you can renew your items by telephone, 24 hours a day,
by calling the toll-free number: (888) 577-5275. If you are outside the
toll-free area, dial (213) 623-9930. Telephone circulation also lets you
review your library record to find out what you have checked out, when it
is due, if items you reserved are being held for you, and if you have any
unpaid fines or fees.
Holds/Reserves
You can place a hold on an item free of charge from any library terminal,
or over the web by clicking "
Catalog
"
on the library’s web page. After searching for the title you want to
reserve, select the library location to which you want the item sent and
we will notify you by e-mail, a computer-generated telephone call or a
postcard when it is available for pick up. If you need help with the hold
service, library staff will guide you through the process or place the
hold for you. The maximum number of holds on a patron record at any time
is 30. If no copy becomes available, your hold may be canceled
automatically.
E-mail Notification
If you would like an e-mail reminder when your library materials are due,
when they are overdue, and when items placed on hold are available for
pick-up, please contact your local library agency. You may also submit your e-mail address online in the
Enhanced My Account
.
Español
Kids & Parents
Teens
How Do I?
How do I get a library card?
How do I get a Student Success Card?
How do I print from my laptop? (wireless printing)
How do I reserve a computer?
How do I renew my books?
How do I update my address/phone/e-mail online?
SEE MORE FAQs >>>
My Library Account
Enhanced Catalog Account
Get a Library Card
Reserve a Computer
Ask a Librarian
Book a Librarian
Find A Library
Connect with LAPL
YouTube
Newsletter
Top
LAPL Home
My Account
Books & E-Media
Blog
Book Bundles To Go
Catalog
Branch Periodical Subscription List
E-Media
Freegal Music
Kanopy
L.A. in Focus Videos
New York Times Digital
Freegal Music
hoopla
Kanopy
LAPL Reads
Book Lists
New Books by Genre
Staff Reviews
RSS Feeds
Resources for Readers
LAPL Writes
Book Lists
Online Resources
Indie Author Project
Submission Policy
Events
Language Collections
Libby (Overdrive)
New York Times Digital
Podcasts
ALOUD
Children Chatting
Poet Laureate
Zines
Read Freely
Education & Research
Databases - Research & Homework
California Index
Government Documents
High School Diploma
LAPL Indexes
Behymer Collection Index
Bookplate Collection
Business Magazine Index
Business & Economics Reference Works
California Documents Index
California Fiction Index
California Index
California Prints Index
Casey Fashion Plates
City Directories Index
Cookery Ephemera Index
Environmental Impact Reports
Genealogy & Local History Index
Gladys English
Government Documents - Business
Japanese Prints Index
Library Images Index
Lummis Autograph Collection Index
Menu Collection
Native American Index
Orchestration Catalog
Play File Index
Public Art Index
Series and Sequels
Short Story File Index
Song Index
Theater Program Collection
Toy Movable Database
Turnabout Theater Archive
LinkedIn Learning
Online Learning
Research Guides
Aerial Photographs
African -American Literature (PDF)
African-American Ingenuity
Bilingual English-Spanish Material (PDF)
Census Tract Maps (PDF)
Environmental Impact Reports
Financing New Business (PDF)
Food and Drink
Genealogy
Grants
History of Your House
Holiday Cookery
Job Hunting and Money Guides
Literary Criticism Locator
Map Collection
Maps of Los Angeles
Military and Industry Standards and Specifications
Newspapers
Obituaries in LA County
Philosophy Research
Play Locator
Representative Maps in Los Angeles History and Growth
Sanborn Fire Insurance Atlases
Sheet Music Locator
Short Story Locator
Small Business Research (PDF)
Treaty Research
Vital Records
Student Success
Verify Student Success Card
Tessa: Photo & Digital Collections
L.A. in Focus Videos
Shades of L.A. Oral Histories
Services & Programs
Adult Literacy
Ask a Librarian
Be a Successful Street Vendor
Overview & Permits
Cell-Ed Pathways
Resources & Links
Small Business Help
Book a Librarian
Community Outreach
Cybernauts
Explore L.A.
Homeless Resources
Jobs, Money & Small Business
Memory Lab
New Americans
Octavia Lab & Koreatown Media Lab
Reentry Resources
Reserve a Computer
Seniors
State Park Pass
STEAM
Tech2go
Veterans Resources
Wireless Printing
Neighborhood Science
Events
Adults
Babies & Toddlers
Bilingual Events
Calendar
Celebrations
Central 100 Celebration
Expedition L.A.
Exhibits
Kids
L.A. Made
Seniors
Teens
Locations & Hours
All Branches
Central Library
Departments and Services
Art, Music, & Recreation Department
Business and Economics Department
Children's Literature Department
Computer Center
History & Genealogy Department
International Languages Department
Literature & Fiction Department
Low-Vision Service Centers
Popular Library
Science, Technology, & Patents Department
Social Science, Philosophy & Religion Department
Special Collections
Appointment Request Form
Appraisals
Californiana
Gifts/Donations
Introduction to Special Collections
Mexicana
Photographs
The Special Collections Room Story
Teen'Scape
Directions
Parking
Art And Architecture
Central Library Video Wall
Historical Portraits Project
Goodhue Building
Painting
Public Art Projects
The Literate Fence Quotations
Sculpture
Themes and Inscriptions
Tom Bradley Wing
Central Library Docent Tours
Central Library Virtual Tour
Facility Rentals
Policies
Rates & Occupancy
Holiday Closures
Get Involved
Become a Friend of the Library
Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
Make a Donation
Shop The Library Store
Volunteer
About LAPL
Accessibility & ADA Services
Angel City Press
App
Blog
Board of Library Commissioners
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas & Minutes Archive
Board Members
Borrower Services
City Librarian
Connect With Us
Contact Us
eCard Registration
infoNow (Ask A Librarian)
Change of Address
Suggest a Purchase
Library Card Pre-Registration
Solicitud de tarjeta electrónica
Pregúntale a un bibliotecario
Formulario de cambio de dirección
Sugerir una Compra
Solicitud de tarjeta
Jobs & Business Opportunities
Perform at LAPL
Press Room
Press Release Archive
Press Images - Branch Libraries
Press Images - Central Library
Rules of Conduct
Staff Directory
Volunteer Opportunities
Español
¿Qué hay de nuevo?
Títulos recomendados
Ciudadanía
Kids & Parents
Teens
ADA
App
Blog
Connect With Us
Contact Us
FAQs
Online Privacy Policy
Site Map