Pelham Public Library announces fine-free September

September 3, 2019

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Pelham Public Library (file photo)

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Town of Pelham Public Library.

In a gesture of appreciation for the community, the Town of Pelham Public Library will be offering “amnesty” for overdue materials during the month of September. All overdue fines will be automatically forgiven for materials brought back to be checked in. Additionally, Pelham cardholders with older overdue fines on already returned items will be forgiven if they come in person to the circulation desk and make the request. Finally, any patron who needs a replacement library card will be given one for free.

“We wanted to give so-called “delinquent” patrons a chance to reconnect with the library and even get a new card if they need to,” says library director Patricia Perito. “Offering amnesty from late fees is a great way to welcome people back and encourage everyone to use to library.” Many library systems around the country have been experimenting with one-time fine forgiveness programs, including the New York Public Library which waived late fees for children and teens in 2017 as a way to give them a “new start.”

The Town of Pelham Public Library’s fine-free period will begin on Tuesday, September 3rd (the library will be closed Monday September 2nd for Labor Day) and end on Monday September 30th. (Patrons must return all materials in order for late fees to be waived. Charges for damaged or lost materials cannot be waived, nor the collection/management fee.)