‘To have a space where children and parents are centered is truly rare in America. Parents are so used to everything being hard in this country.’
Roxbury Library Goes Fine-Free
In announcing the new policy, the library said its board of trustees “is dedicated to creating a library that is more open, equitable and understanding of our community,” and explained that “eliminating fines for overdue materials means more people in our community have greater access to the Library’s vital materials, resources and services.”
New Haven Free Public Library Wins Grant To Hire Social Workers
“The New Haven Free Public Library won a $46,155 grant earlier this month to fund a full-time social worker Monday through Friday at the main branch library on Elm Street.”
Cambridge Public Library Goes Fine Free
The Cambridge Public Library no longer charges fines on late returns or renewals. This ensures that everyone has access to library books and materials, regardless of their circumstances.
NYC Libraries Go Fine Free
“The simple fact that the library community knows well is that fines are an antiquated notion that doesn’t work… New Yorkers and people throughout the country love and trust their library—they understand it’s a public good, they respect it, and they bring their books back.”
Chicago Public Library Extends Hours
“Every day is a day for learning. Chicagoans need and deserve access to information and technology every day of the week. Adding Sunday hours in libraries across the city is an important step in our commitment to equity and access,” said CPL Commissioner Chris Brown. “Mayor Lightfoot’s leadership and support for expanded Sunday hours has been instrumental in bringing this opportunity to all Chicagoans.”
Homelessness: Emergency shelter and the Ramada Inn
Over the past year, 158 unsheltered people were provided temporary shelter at the Red Roof Inn. During this period, the City and its partners were able to help 42 people transition to permanent housing. Given the success in connecting people to permanent housing through the homeless shelter at the Red Roof Inn, the City of Asheville is proposing a project to continue that work.
Join an in person meeting on Thursday, August 12, 5 – 7 p.m. at the East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Road.
Asheville City Council is expected to review and consider approval of this property purchase and funding for operations at their 5 p.m. August 24 Council meeting. If this project is approved by City Council, the City will purchase the Ramada Inn property and budget funds for operations. Funding for this project is proposed through key partnerships and federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Coos County Libraries to Offer Free Social Work Services
A social worker will be available in three Coos County libraries and it will be a free service.
Virginia Beach Public Library Drops Overdue Fines for Kids Moving Forward
“Equal and equitable access to information is a core value of libraries,” said Director of Libraries Eva Poole. “Removing overdue fines from youth accounts is a first step in removing economic barriers to accessing library materials, especially for children who may need us the most. Inability to pay fines may prevent families from returning materials or visiting the library at all. The goal is to get the materials back into our collection, and to encourage families to continue using the library.”
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Wants to Get Rid of Late Fines
“The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library intends to soon stop fining patrons for overdue books, joining a growing national trend to support some of the most vulnerable library patrons.”