HomeMy Public PortalAboutmay20fines111
FPL
Watertown Free Public Liheery
Library Director
Leone E. Cole
TO: Library Board of Trustees
FROM: Leone E. Cole, Library Director
DATE: May 1, 2020
RE: Fine elimination
Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the Town Manager seemed open to discussing the elimination of fines. And
as you may remember, it was going to be explored during the strategic planning process. And while it
may no longer be possible, I would like to bring the subject forward for discussion. Fine elimination has
certainly been a hot topic in the library world over the past year or so. I would ask that you read the
following articles prior to our discussion on Tuesday. If there is a possibility of moving forward with this,
the Board should take a formal vote on the matter.
https://www.npr.org/2019/11/30/781374759/we-wanted-our-patrons-back-public-libraries-scrap-late-
fines-to-a Ileviate-inequi
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/23/us/no-library-fines.htrni
https://www.forbes.com/siteslrachelkramerbussel/2020/12/30/why-ma nv-libraries-a re -el iminating-
late-fees/42e403a117696
Locally, Arlington, Boston (under 18), Beverly, and Burlington are fine free.
123 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472-4478
617.972.6434 watertownlib.org