Fines & Fees
Anyone (residents and nonresidents) with picture identification and proof of address may obtain a library card at no charge. Applications are available at all three Carlsbad City Library locations or register online.
COVID-19 Update
The City of Carlsbad has temporarily suspended in-person city services at city facilities, including all three library locations, due to a county public health order. All library book returns have been closed. Please hold onto library materials until we reopen.
Overdue fines will not accrue between March 15 and the library reopening.
There will be no fees for expired, suspended or cancelled holds while the library is closed to the public.
Lending Policies
| Resource Type | Loan Period | Renew? | Fees | Overdue Fines |
| Books | 3 weeks | yes | no | Adult collection: 25¢ per day per item; Children's collection: 10¢ per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15-library reopening. |
| Audiobooks | 3 weeks | yes | no | Adult collection: 25¢ per day per item; Children's collection: 10¢ per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15-library reopening. |
| eBooks | 3 weeks | no | no | None; file expires |
| eAudiobooks | 3 weeks | no | no | None; file expires |
| Compact discs | 3 weeks | yes | no | Adult collection: 25¢ per day per item; Children's collection: 10¢ per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15-library reopening. |
| DVDs: entertainment | 7 days | yes | no | $1 per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15-library reopening. |
| DVDs: documentary and instructional | 3 weeks | yes | no | $1 per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15-library reopening. |
| DVD sets (3 or more in one case) | 3 weeks | yes | no | $1 per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15-library reopening. |
| Video games | 3 weeks | yes | no | $1 per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15-library reopening. |
Renew by phone at 760-602-2019, in person or via the online catalog. DVDs and video games must be returned to a Carlsbad City Library location.
Other Fees
| Reserve a book | No fee to place reserve. $1 fine per title if item is not picked up within 10 days. No charge for not picking up holds during library closure. |
| Interlibrary loans | $5 per title |
| Lost card replacement | $2 |
| Lost/damaged item | Replacement cost + $5 processing fee |
| Lost/damaged item - out of print | List price + $40 |
| Printing/Photocopying | 20¢ per black and white copy; $1 per color copy |
| Accounts sent to collection |
$10 fee |