Libraries have become a focal point at the center of some of America’s most heated debates. He has pushed against banning books that primarily target themes of racial injustice and diversity. Meanwhile, libraries are also working to be more inclusive and equitable with initiatives like making fines free.
Many librarians have long been advocating for the elimination of overdue fines, but the idea itself originated about five years ago. Some libraries test the waters by first eliminating prepayment penalty for children’s material. Now, expanding further to include all ingredients.
“Monetary fines hinder the provision of library and information services and are at their core an equity issue,” says Lesa Pelayo-Lozada, president of the American Library Association.
Some of the largest library systems saw a large increase in library card renewals precisely because they were free. They also started noticing that more material had come back.
Libraries are helping to improve equity by closing the gap in technology access by offering long-term lending hotspots, laptops and e-readers.
Some libraries are also setting up more study rooms and business centers for small business owners, who often have free Internet access.
Well-served free libraries reported more people coming through the actual doors and accessing services and programs, many of which benefit low-income and historically underserved communities.
group likes City Library Council And eliminate library fines Tracking the places that are going right across the country.
As for pushback to go fine-free, Pelayo-Lozada says some libraries just need to plan to make sure they can often only lose a small amount of money by not collecting fines.
“We look at it as being a good member of society. It’s really not the role of the library to teach responsibility,” she said. “It’s not part of our mission.”
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