The following information is a summary of our fines and fees. Please check our Policies page for the full text of our Borrowing Policy.
How to Pay
As of January 2022, cash registers have been removed from our libraries. Charges for replacement materials may be paid in the following ways:
- Online: Online by credit card by logging into your account in the basic catalog.
- In-Person: At a Library location (not available at Niles or Mobile & Outreach Services) at a printing kiosk. Kiosks accept credit cards, and $1 and $5 bills.
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By Mail: Mail a check to our finance office. Please include your library card number beginning with 21157 on the check. You may also bring a check to your local library instead of mailing.
Mail to:
Alameda County Library Finance
2450 Stevenson Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538
Late Returns
There are no charges for all books, media, and magazines. We no longer charge daily overdue fines for late items.
Lost or Damaged Items
- Alameda County Library bills you for the cost of any item more than 21 days past its due date. We waive this bill when the item is returned in good condition.
- An item will be billed for damage if, due to misuse or negligence on the part of the borrower, it is no longer fit to loan.
- Your borrowing privileges are suspended if you are billed for any item. We restore borrowing privileges once the outstanding issues are resolved.
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Charges for Books, Media, Magazines, and Equipment:
- List price, if indicated by the publisher, or...
- Cover price, if indicated on the item, or...
- Price determined and listed in the Library's catalog (for items without a cover or list price in US Dollars)