Fine Free

Proud to be fine free!

As of July 1, 2024, Downey City Library has eliminated fines for overdue books and materials. This means that past, present, and future overdue fines for materials will no longer be charged. If items are overdue, you will continue to receive reminder notices to return checked out items. 

This decision comes as part of the library’s effort to increase accessibility and remove barriers that may prevent the public from utilizing library resources to their fullest potential. The Downey City Library joins a growing number of libraries across the country that have chosen to eliminate overdue fines in recent years. 


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, the change applies to all previously incurred overdue fines for books and materials, including laptop & charging cables, and other high-demand items.

  • Overdue fines are the daily charges applied to items not returned by their specified due date. 

    These are the fines that will no longer be charged to the public. 

    Fees represent the charges applied for lost or damaged materials and are still in effect.

  • Yes, fees will still apply to lost or damaged materials. In addition, fees will be incurred for services and products, including:

    • Library card replacements

    • Copying/printing

    • Interlibrary Loans (ILL)

    • Meeting Room Reservations

    •  Collection Referral

    • 3D Resin printer

  • We encourage the public to return materials in a timely fashion to the Library so others may enjoy these shared resources. Items not returned within 30 days of their due date will go to a “lost” status and the borrower will be billed for their replacement.

    The public will continue to be responsible for reconciling any lost items or fees on their library account by either returning the item(s) or paying the replacement fee.

  • Fines paid are non-refundable.

    Please contact us at (562) 904-7360 if you require further assistance.