VCLF: Rising from the Ashes, Black History Month reads, curated lists, and a craft!

Auto Renew

Library items will be automatically renewed on their due date as long as no holds have been placed on them by other library customers. Items will be automatically renewed a maximum of two (2) times. (Please note, customers may manually renew one more time after that for a total of three (3) renewals.)

FAQ

Why didn't my item auto-renew?

• It has holds from other library customers.
• It was overdue. You may still manually renew the item at using the tab my account. If the item does not have holds on it and you have not used all your renewals already, you will be able to renew.
• You have an item that is not eligible for renewal. ILL items, laptops, hotspots, and kits are not eligible for renewal.
• You have already used all your renewals.

Will all my items be renewed?

Library items will be automatically renewed as long as no holds have been placed on them by other library customers. Items may be renewed a maximum of three (3) times. This includes automatic and manual renewals.

What items are eligible for auto renew?
Books, DVDs, and other items that are normally able to be renewed.

What items cannot be auto renewed?
ILLs, laptops, hotspots, and kits are not eligible for renewal. Items with holds, digital items and items that have reached their maximum number of renewals or are already overdue will not be auto renewed.

Will I receive a notification on what has been auto renewed?
You will be notified about what has been auto renewed if you receive email or SMS notifications. Change your preference for receiving library notices by calling your library or logging into your library account.

Will I be notified if an item can't be renewed?
If an item can't be renewed, you will be notified of its due date if you receive email or SMS notifications.

Can I still renew manually?
Yes. You will be able to renew online, by phone, or in person.

Can I opt out of auto-renew?
Auto renew is an automatic process that applies to all VCL cardholder accounts. If you don't wish to keep an item, please return it when you're finished.

As of April 2021, fines are no longer charged for any overdue Ventura County Library materials. Ventura County Library has gone fine free.

Fees are charged for lost or damaged items. Borrowers are legally responsible to pay for items lost or damaged beyond normal wear and tear. These charges cover the cost to the library for replacing the item, plus processing.

 - - - Have a balance due on your library account? Pay online here - - - 

What does it mean to be Fine Free? Fine Free FAQ

What does fine free mean?

Fine free means no fines will be assessed for overdue items.

Why did the Library decide to eliminate overdue fines?
Public libraries throughout the United States have been eliminating fines for many years and seeing positive results, such as:

• Increased access to materials and services
• Reduction of inequities resulting from overdue fines, especially for children
• Improved customer relationships with the library
• Increased staff time and efficiency

Research shows that small fines do not impact the return rates of materials.

What if I lost or damaged a book?
While the Library eliminated overdue fines, customers are still responsible for fees associated with the replacement of lost or damaged items they check out.

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. These are the fines that will no longer be charged to patrons. Billed-item fees, or just fees, represent the charges applied for lost, damaged, or unreturned materials and are still in effect. In addition, fees are still charged for library services and products such as library cards, copying, printing.

How will the Library encourage people to return overdue items?
Customers are encouraged to return materials in a timely fashion to the Library so others may enjoy these shared resources. Items not returned within 30 days of their due date will go to lost status and customers will be billed for their replacement.

Customers will continue to be responsible for reconciling any lost items or fees on their library account by either returning the items or paying the replacement fee. Customers with an item with a billed status on their library account cannot check out additional physical materials from the library.

Will eliminating overdue fines have any negative impact on Library funding?

Overdue fines account for less than 1% of the library's overall income and this number has decreased over time. Moving forward, going fine free will not significantly impact the budget.

Are other Libraries Fine Free?
The movement to go fine free has enjoyed wide support. This map from the Urban Libraries Council shows other fine free libraries: https://www.urbanlibraries.org/member-resources/fine-free-map

Note: There are no fines or fees for downloadable or streaming e-content!

See also: 

• What is Auto Renew?
• How can I pay my fee?
• What happens if I lose or damage a library item?

Schools and libraries are closed but not your eLibrary. Students who wish to continue their studies, or need information while taking classes online will find many helpful resources in the Ventura County eLibrary. Don't get behind, take advantage of our largest library - it's open 24/7!

During these challenging days of self-isolation and quarantine something to read is mandatory. When you have read all the books on your bookshelves Cloud Library in your eLibrary is the answer. There are thousands of books available. Check out as many as 10 at a time and keep up to 20 on hold.

Cloud Library lists Featured Selections:

Twenty-four years ago Ventura County Library established its first Homework Center. Homework assistance is now available weekday afternoons during the school year in many of our libraries.

There are so many ways your Ventura County Libraries can make your holiday season less stressful.

We can help with your menu, tablescape, or decorations. We have music to download for your party. We even have movies and craft ideas to entertain your vacationing kids.

Check our calendar for LEGO Play, STEAM classes, Crafternoons and Family Game days in a branch near you.

When was the last time you visited a Ventura County Library? When you were in school or when your children were little? Do you know where your library card is?

We want you to return to the library. Ventura County Libraries have so much to offer. And we have changed. We are so much more than books. For example:

Where will the summer take you? Are you traveling to a foreign country or staying at home reading about places you would like to visit? Enhance the experience with Pronunciator. You may learn a new language, or a few handy phrases. Armchair adventurers, watch movies and listen to music to really get a feel for the country your novel is set in.