How much are the Library’s overdue fines and replacement fees?

The information below is a summary of our fines and fees. Please see our Policies page for the full text of our Borrowing Policy.

Please note, as of January 2022, cash registers have been removed from our libraries. Charges for replacement materials may be paid in the following ways:

  • Online by credit card by logging into your account in the basic catalog.
  • At a Library location (not available at Irvington, Niles, or Mobile & Outreach Services) at a printing kiosk. Kiosks accept credit cards, and $1 and $5 bills.
  • 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

All Books, Media, & Magazines - we no longer charge daily overdue fines for late items.

Lost or Damaged Items

  • Alameda County Library bills members the cost of any item more than 21 days past its due date. This bill is waived upon return of the item 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.
  • A member’s borrowing privileges are suspended if the member is billed for any item. Borrowing privileges are restored once the outstanding issues are resolved.
All 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)