Amnesty “No Fines” Week at the Lake Worth Public Library April 11th-17th National Library Week

 Look under the bed, check your bookshelves, in the closet, in the car, kids’ rooms -- go retrieve those long-forgotten library books, DVDs, CDs, and the ones you let your best friend borrow. Here is your chance to return those items to the Lake Worth Public Library and erase your fines, no questions asked! This is a one-time only offer for borrowers during National Library Week, April 11th through 17th.

Fines will be removed regardless of how overdue the materials are. Materials must be returned to the library before fines will be forgiven. Borrowers who have returned material in the past, but have outstanding charges, will also have their fines forgiven if they visit the library’s circulation desk this wee. Lost library cards will also be replaced free of charge.

Library Services Manager Vickie Joslin wants the community to know that library fines are intended to encourage the prompt return of materials. “Sometimes the 'encouragement' can become a real financial problem for borrowers and, instead of paying the fine, they may give up their library privileges. And often the longer they are overdue, the harder it is for someone to return them as they may be either embarrassed about it, or are unable or unwilling to pay their fine. What we are saying to people by introducing this amnesty on fines is, we understand, come back, bring the books back so that others can borrow them, and let’s turn over a new leaf. We want our materials back, and we also want our borrowers back! If you're shy about coming face to face with library staff, you can return items in the book drop and the fines will be forgiven for all late materials” said Vickie.

What makes these losses especially difficult for the library is their effect on other borrowers. Imagine the frustration of a library customer who desperately needs a particular volume to complete a project or some research but finds, week after week, that the necessary book is, according to library records, checked out. Since the library has a very limited budget do to the decline in the economy, replacing a lost or missing item can often be far more than the original purchase price.

It is hoped that by offering this respite, the library will be able to replenish its book and materials stock and maybe encourage lapsed users to get back into the habit of visiting their local library in the knowledge that they have no fines hanging over them.

For more information on the amnesty, library hours, or location please call the Lake Worth Public Library at 561-533-7354.

Vickie Joslin
Library Services Manager
Lake Worth Public Library