Boston Public Library eliminates fines for people under 18

The Boston Public Library is eliminating overdue fines for borrowers under the age of 18. The October 25 announcement came after a unanimous vote from the library’s board of trustees to eliminate fines for returning books late for youth library card holders. The policy change will also remove all pending overdue fines and offer a one-time amnesty on replacement costs. During the 2019 fiscal year, about 90% of the more than 150,000 cardholders under the age of 18 were facing fines. “We are proud to be joining the ranks of libraries across the country who are moving towards being fine-free,” BPL President David Leonard said.

Boston Globe, Oct. 28

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Sean Gallagher writes: “Here’s a clue for would-be internet financial scammers: Do not target librarians. They will catch on fast, and you will have wasted your time. On February 18, the outgoing chair of the YALSA Alex Awards Committee (and my wife) Paula Gallagher got a very odd email that purported to be from a colleague within her library system who is a member of YALSA’s board. The email asked, ‘Are you available to complete an assignment on behalf of the Board, And get reimbursed? Kindly advise.’ The ‘assignment’ turned out to be a textbook payment scam.”
Ars Technica, Feb. 19
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Time, Feb. 19
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