LA libraries replace fines for young readers with in-library "read-offs"

Cory Doctorow 2:19 pm Thu Sep 6, 2018

Stan Rehm writes, "An uncommonly sensible new policy in Los Angeles libraries now allows children with overdue book fees to 'read off' their fines in the library."

Since “Read Away” went into effect, the county library system has cleared 3,500 blocked accounts… When charges accrue on a young person’s account, generally, they don’t pay the charges and they don’t use the card,” Hastings said. “A few dollars on their accounts means they stop using library services.

No more library fines for most young readers in L.A. County [Howard Blume/LA Times]

(Image:
Nemanja Pantelic
, CC-BY)

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