No More Late Fees For OC Library Near Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Forget the late fees, Newport Beach. The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to indefinitely eliminate library late fines accrued in Orange County Public Libraries starting Tuesday. The elimination of the late fees marks a step in a new direction for public libraries across Orange County.

"Public libraries play an essential role in providing safe, accessible and free educational resources for every member in our community," First District Supervisor Chairman Andrew Do said in a statement. "Eliminating late fines will incentivize residents to take advantage of county library resources and not be hesitant to take a book home during their next visit."

If late fees have been keeping you away from libraries in Newport Beach, Orange County Public Libraries hope to welcome you back into the fold.

In the past, Orange County Public Libraries has offered systemwide special fine-free events inviting patrons to return to the library. Implementing a late fine-free library system positively impacts the continued use of libraries by the community, according to the county.

It is also an opportunity for residents to relieve any financial obstacles that may prevent them from using library resources.

According to the statement, Orange County cities with higher poverty levels see a higher number of patrons blocked from using library services because of overdue fines on their accounts. In 2019, The American Library Association passed a resolution asserting that library fines create an economic barrier when it comes to accessing library materials. The resolution urged libraries nationwide to move toward eliminating fines.

If you have a book you've been holding onto, Orange County Public Libraries encourages you to return it.

Note! the library will still collect fines for lost or damaged items.

"Eliminating late fines helps eliminate the costly burden of fine collection and relocates staff time towards their primary purpose," Third District Supervisor Don Wagner said in the statement. "Guiding all patrons to the numerous resources OC Public Libraries has to offer."

The closest Orange County Public Library in Newport Beach is in Costa Mesa at 1855 Park Ave.