How to Pay Library Fees

Santa Monica Public Library no longer charges daily overdue fines for books and most materials. However, cardholders remain responsible for returning items on time and for any charges related to lost or damaged materials. “Damaged” items are those no longer usable for circulation; “lost” items are those not returned. Normal wear and tear is expected. As a courtesy, the Library sends a series of reminders and notices to help patrons avoid fees.

Notice Schedule

Reminder: 3 days before the due date
Auto Renewal: 3 days before the due date (if no holds)
Overdue Notices: 3, 7, and 21 days after the due date
Lost Item Notice: Sent at 21 days overdue; the item is marked lost, a bill is mailed, and the account is blocked

Cardholders are responsible for monitoring their accounts, and borrowing privileges are automatically blocked once charges reach $20 or more. The Library offers several convenient options for paying fees. Patrons with questions about charges are encouraged to speak with staff before submitting a payment. Fines and fees may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis.

Fees & Replacement Costs

Image Archives: Payments accepted by check only; administered by staff
Interlibrary Loan (ILL): $5 per request (plus any fees from the lending library)
ILL Overdue Fine: $1 per item per day
Lost or Damaged Books, DVDs, Music CDs: Replacement cost of the item + $10 processing fee
Lost or Damaged CD/DVD Artwork: No charge, or $10 if replacement artwork is required (varies)
Lost or Damaged Chromebook Late Fee: $1 per hour

See below fee section for additional fees and replacement costs.

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Fees Fees
FAQ FAQ

The Library offers a secure online payment service (SmartPAY) that allows you to view the outstanding charges on your account and make real-time payments using a credit card.

Login to SmartPAY
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Login to SmartPAY with your Library card number and PIN
Pay Fees
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Once logged in to SmartPAY, you will have the option to pay off all outstanding charges or select specific charges to pay. Accepted online payment methods include:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
- Debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo
Note: Credit Card Fee effective January 1, 2021
The City of Santa Monica assesses a 2.95% convenience fee on most types of debit and credit card transactions. The 2.95% fee will be reflected in the total cost billed. Refunds for credit/debit transactions do not include the convenience fee.
Complete Transaction
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Completed transactions will post to your credit card statement with the description “Cityofsm Libr Smartp.”

A check or U.S. Postal money order made payable to Santa Monica Public Library can be mailed to:

Santa Monica Public Library
ATTN: Circulation Supervisor
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Please write your library account number in the memo section of the check or money order.

Payments for fees can be made at the Main Library, Montana Branch, and the Pico Branch during open hours. Accepted forms of payment include:

Cash
Check
U.S. Postal Money Order
Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
Debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo

Note: Credit Card Fee effective January 1, 2021
The City of Santa Monica assesses a 2.95% convenience fee on most types of debit and credit card transactions. The 2.95% fee will be reflected in the total cost billed. Refunds for credit/debit transactions do not include the convenience fee.

Contact Us:

Fees

Library Services
Per Item

Processing Fee:	$10.00
Interlibrary Loan:	$5.00
Black and White Print/Copy:	$0.15
Color Print/Copy:	$0.50

Lost or Damaged Items
Replacement charges include a $10 processing fee unless otherwise noted.

Single CD/DVD Disc:	$10.00
Magazines:	$17.01
Chromebooks:	$360.00
Lendables:	$20.00
CD/DVD Artwork:	$10.00

Reading-2-Go Kits
Each lost book is $12.50 + $10 processing fee.

Entire Kit:	$95.00
Lost Toy/CD/DVD:	$15.00
Backpack:	$17.50

RED Kits & Specialized Toolkits
Fees vary by kit type. Examples are included below.

Bicycle Drivetrain Kit:	$385.00
Bicycle Brake Kit:	$340.00
Technology Kit:	$250.00
Ukulele Kit:	$250.00
Birdwatching Kit:	$250.00
Cookie Baking Kit:	$150.00
Mindfulness Kit:	$150.00
Gardening Kit:	$125.00
Brain Health Kit:	$125.00
Bicycle Flat Tire Kit:	$90.00

Individual Item Fees
For RED Kits & Specialized Toolkits

Laptop:	$200.00
Ukulele:	$150.00
Binoculars:	$150.00
Playaway:	$50.00
Trekking Poles:	$50.00
Bicycle Pump:	$35.00
Book:	$25.00
Ukulele Tuner:	$25.00
DVD:	$15.00
Pie Pan:	$15.00
Spatula:	$10.00
Laptop Mouse:	$10.00

FAQ

What is the difference between a fine and a fee?

Overdue fines are the daily charges applied to items not returned by their specified due date. The Santa Monica Public Library has eliminated fines for overdue books and materials. Removing fines gives cardholders increased access to services, use of the Library, and its materials both virtually and at our locations.

Billed-item fees, or just fees, are charged for damaged, unreturned, or lost items, as well as processing fees. Library services such as copying, printing, and interlibrary loans (ILL) are also considered fees.

When are Library items considered lost?

Items that are overdue for 21 days or more are considered lost. Accounts with lost items are blocked until the item is returned or paid for in full.

The replacement fee and processing fee must both be resolved in order for an item to be considered "paid for in full". The replacement fee reflects the Library purchase price and the processing fee offsets costs associated with preparing the replacement item for the collection. Patrons may no longer supply a new copy of the item in place of the replacement cost.

What happens when Library items are damaged?

Accounts with damaged items are blocked until the associated charges are resolved. Damaged items that require removal from the collection will need to be paid for in full. Library staff may attempt to contact you by telephone or email regarding a problem with a returned item. It is your responsibility to ensure that the contact information on file is accurate.

Items with ink stains, water damage, removed labels, missing parts, torn pages, and other problems caused by improper care of Library materials are considered damaged.

Why am I still receiving reminders to return my items?

Although fines are eliminated, you will continue to receive notifications when items are due in the following order:

3 Days Before Due Date - A reminder is sent via email, text, or phone call. It will indicate if the item is due, or if it has auto renewed. Items will renew automatically up to three times if it isn't being requested by another patron.
1, 7, and 14 Days Overdue - The Library sends an overdue notice as a courtesy. Cardholders are responsible for monitoring their accounts, even if no notice is received.
21 Days Overdue - Item is marked lost and a printed bill is mailed. Account is blocked until the issue is resolved.

Why have fines been eliminated for overdue items?

The Santa Monica Public Library is joining a national movement of libraries working towards providing equitable access to all its patrons. We understand the strain that fines can have on our patrons, especially families experiencing financial challenges and individuals on fixed incomes. With the elimination of overdue fines, we hope to welcome back more patrons to use resources to improve their lives.

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Pay Fees

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Library Services Per Item

Lost or Damaged Items Replacement charges include a $10 processing fee unless otherwise noted.

Reading-2-Go Kits Each lost book is $12.50 + $10 processing fee.

RED Kits & Specialized Toolkits Fees vary by kit type. Examples are included below.

Individual Item Fees For RED Kits & Specialized Toolkits

Library Services
Per Item

Lost or Damaged Items
Replacement charges include a $10 processing fee unless otherwise noted.

Reading-2-Go Kits
Each lost book is $12.50 + $10 processing fee.

RED Kits & Specialized Toolkits
Fees vary by kit type. Examples are included below.

Individual Item Fees
For RED Kits & Specialized Toolkits