New York: Syracuse Library’s Now Waives Overdue Fines For School Children

From WAER:

Syracuse school children no longer have to worry about being fined if they’re late to return a book to the city’s libraries. Mayor Stephanie Miner announced Tuesday the city will pay $7,000 per year to cover the cost of the fines, as well as prevent blocks on library cards. She says the idea is to keep children reading so they stay on track at school, especially during the summer.
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The city estimates more than $60,000 in fines are owed by the over 14,900 library cardholders under age 18. About $7,000 is paid back each year.

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From Syracuse.com

Both city and county officials said they did not want unpaid library fines to block children from borrowing books or from participating in summer library programs.
“We do appreciate everybody’s support for these initiatives,” said Susan Mitchell, executive director of the Onondaga County Public Library. “That’s the important piece, I think, is that everyone is moving in the same direction, and that’s in support of the kids in our community.”
The library board of trustees has informally agreed to the no-fine policy and is expected to approve it in August, Mitchell said. Library officials will implement it immediately, she said.

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Filed under: Libraries, News, Public Libraries