How to Pay Library Fees

The Santa Monica Public Library does not charge fines for overdue books and materials. Charges related to lost or damaged materials will continue to apply. Card holders are responsible for monitoring their account in order to avoid fees. As a courtesy, the Library provides a variety of notices to assist members in avoiding fees. Library privileges are blocked if the account balance reaches $20 or more.

The Library offers convenient options for making payments on your account. If you have questions about fees listed on your account, please consult a staff member before you submit a payment.

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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.

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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.

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

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Library Fees Per Item

Library Fees
Per Item