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.
Update on Services
Limited computer, browsing and account services is available Monday & Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cole Library, and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dove Library and Library Learning Center. Curbside service is available Monday through Saturday. View the calendar for virtual programs.
The time has come to return checked out library items from the past year so that others may enjoy them. All past due library materials will be due on March 31, 2021 and items not returned by that date will be subject to fines.
No overdue fines accrued between March 15, 2020 and March 31, 2021 due to the pandemic. Library parking lot book returns are now open 24/7 at all three library locations.
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, 2020 - March 31, 2021. |
| 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, 2020 - March 31, 2021. |
| 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, 2020 - March 31, 2021. |
| DVDs: entertainment | 7 days | yes | no | $1 per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15, 2020 - March 31, 2021. |
| DVDs: documentary and instructional | 3 weeks | yes | no | $1 per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15, 2020 - March 31, 2021. |
| DVD sets (3 or more in one case) | 3 weeks | yes | no | $1 per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15, 2020 - March 31, 2021. |
| Video games | 3 weeks | yes | no | $1 per day per item Overdue fines will not accrue March 15, 2020 - March 31, 2021. |
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 |