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The Great Read Away!

Read in the Library and Reduce Your Fees

LA County Library cardholders 21 years old and under can get rid of library fees by reading them away. For every hour spent reading, $5 in fees will be removed from your account. How easy is that?!

To participate in the program children, teens and young adults may visit any library staff member, who will register them for the program and provide an overview of how it works. Sign in and out with the librarian to track time spent reading. Corresponding fees will be waived at sign-out.

Great Read Away information

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify?

If you’re a library cardholder, 21 years old and under, and have fees, you’re eligible! You just have to log time reading at your local LA County Library location. Check in with any staff member for help.

What fees will be waived?

All fees accrued on your card, except meeting room fees. We will waive fees associated with lost and damaged material replacement fees, Treasurer Tax Collector fees, and library card replacement fees.

If I don’t have fees on my account, or I already paid the fees, can I get cash or credit for reading?

No. The Great Read Away program waives outstanding fees only. No reimbursement of past fees or credit towards possible future fees will be provided.

Do I have to read for the full hour to receive credit?

While the program is based on a $5-an-hour credit system, let your library staff know if you can only read for a shorter period. They can help you customize a reading plan that works for you.

Do I have to read to receive credit, or can I watch a movie, listen to music or surf the web?

Only reading material qualifies for credit, but that means more than just books—you can also read graphic novels or comic books, magazines, newspapers, digital databases, articles, or eBooks. Listening to a book (audiobook on CD or OverDrive, or another person reading to you) also counts. Watching movies, even if based on a book, or listening to music do not count. Let your library staff know if you need help finding something to read.

Can I read to reduce fees accrued on another person’s account?

A parent or caregiver may read to a child, thereby reducing the fees on the child’s account (not the parent’s). Otherwise, no, you must read away the fees on your own account and cannot reduce the fees of other cardholders.

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