Fines and Fees

Tulare County Library allows payment of fees to be made in person, by mail, or through this website. The Library takes cash, checks made out to the Tulare County Library, and credit card.

As of July 1, 2019, Tulare County Library no longer charges extended use fees, also known as overdue or late fines for items returned past the due date. Patrons are still responsible for all other fees, including lost and damaged materials and the cost for items sent to collections.

Items checked out for their standard loan periods are able to be renewed up to 2 times, if eligible. Items on hold for other patrons cannot be renewed.

Patrons are notified by email, phone, or mail, depending on patron's preference and the notice type.

3 days before due date - pre-overdue notice

15 days after due date - first overdue notice

25 days after due date - second overdue notice

35 days after due date - final notice

45 days after due date - item is considered Lost and a bill is mailed

LOST ITEMS

Once an item is marked lost, the patron is responsible for the replacement cost of the item and $7.50 processing fee. The patron is also unable to renew or check out additional items. When an item is returned after both fees are applied to the account, the replacement cost is removed and the patron is responsible for the processing fee.

Replacement items for lost items are not currently accepted.

DAMAGED ITEMS

If a patrons returns an item that is damaged and co no longer be used by the library, the patron is charged the original cost off the item and a $7.50 processing fee per item. The patrons is unable to renew or check out any items. Minor or repairable damages are charged at $3.00 per occurrence.

Replacements for damaged items are not accepted.

COLLECTIONS

Library Card accounts that over $50.00 in fees and past extended use fees (overdue/late fines for items checked out prior to July 1, 2019) are sent to collections after 60 days and assessed an additional $10.00 collections fee to cover costs.

Misc. Fees	Cost

Damaged Materials	Cost

Replacement Cases	Cost

Lost Materials	Cost

How to Pay Fines and Fees

In Person

Pay by cash, check, or money order at any Library location during regular Library hours.

By Mail

Mail check with the person's name and Library Card Number on the front of the check, payable to:

Tulare County Library

200 W Oak Ave

Visalia, CA 93291

Online

Use your credit card or debit card to pay online through our SmartPAY system. Credit card payments are accepted only online.

Things you need to know:

Library Card and PIN are required to make a payment
There is no service charge, but a minimum payment of $2 is required.
Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards are accepted. Debit cards must have a Visa or MasterCard logo.
Payments will be applied to your Library account immediately.
Payments will appear as "SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY LIBRARY 559-6006285 CA" on your credit card statement.
Credit card payments are not accepted in person or by phone.
No refunds can be made directly to your credit/debit card.

If you experience problems with a payment, please call us at (559) 713-2703.

Pay Fees Online Here

FAQs

How can I eliminate my past fines?

The Library plans to provide the "Food for Fines" program to assist with fine forgiveness. This usually occurs in the late fall.

Can I still check out if I have fines or fees?

Yes, if the amount I owe is under $10.00.

I checked out a Tulare County Library item at another Library (for example, one of the many libraries in the San Joaquin Library System (SJVLS)), am I assessed a fine if I am late?

Yes. Only items I check out at a Tulare County Library are eligible. Tulare Public Library and Porterville Public Library are not part of the Tulare County Library System.

I checked out an item from another Library (for example, Porterville Public Library) and returned it late to Tulare County Library. Am I still assessed a fine?

Yes. Only items I check out at a Tulare County Library are eligible.

What if I return an item after I am sent an invoice at 60 days overdue?

If I return the item in good condition, the lost processing fee remains on the account to cover the cost of notices and staff time.

If I purchase a book to replace one I lost, will you accept it for lost or damaged items?

No. I must pay the original cost of the item and processing fee for lost and damaged items.

Will I be charged a fee for every item that is lost or damaged or sent to collections?

Yes. I will need to pay the fees assessed on each item that is lost or damaged to cover the cost of notices and staff time or sending items to collections. If my account shows I owe more than $50.00, it will be sent to collections and an additional $10.00 non-refundable collection fee will be charged.