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.”

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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.

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.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 29: A schoolteacher collects library books from students who just graduated and but borrowed them before schools were shut down at Yung Wing School P.S. 124 on June 29, 2020 in New York City. In April, it was announced that NYC public schools would be closed at least through the end of the school year amid the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Bay County Library System Goes Fine Free

The Bay County Library System announced that it is going fine free as of April 1, 2021. (Jake May | MLive.com)Jake May
The Bay County Library System announced that it is going fine free as of April 1, 2021. (Jake May | MLive.com)Jake May

“What’s important is that people use their libraries. We want to make sure that our community has access to the materials and services we provide,” said a statement from the BCLS. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not charged any overdue fines so patrons had one less thing to worry about, so we are already positioned to join the many other libraries across the state who are fine free. Fines account for less than one-half of one percent of our revenues.”

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‘Tiny house’ Indoor Village Opening

The Minneapolis Fire Inspectors made their way through tiny homes to make sure the fire alarms are working, Friday, February 19, 2021 in Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis Fire Inspectors made their way through tiny homes to make sure the fire alarms are working, Friday, February 19, 2021 in Minneapolis.

“Minneapolis nonprofit Avivo is opening an indoor ‘village’ with ‘tiny houses’ in March, providing a COVID-safe and secure place for 100 adults. The two-year pilot program, called Avivo Village, could become a post-pandemic template for private emergency shelters in place of the usual congregate sleeping spaces.”

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