[OPLINLIST] Special Holiday Fine Forgiveness Program for Children

[Jimmie Epling]

The Wayne County Public Library overdue fine forgiveness program for children during the holiday season was an unquestionable success for the Library.  Launched on the day of Wooster Main Street's Window Wonderland, last November 19th and running through New Year's Day, a total of 389 children's fines were forgiven during the program.  A total of $2,987.33 in overdue fines was forgiven.  The average forgiven payment was $7.68 and the median was $5.10.

Children who came into the Library signed a pledge stating, "I have asked that my overdue fines be forgiven.  A staff member has explained the fines on my account and has given me information that will keep my library card fine free.  I agree to use the information given to me to keep my library card fine free."  The child received a flyer describing how items may be renewed by phone, online, or through our selfcheck stations in the Library.  The flyer had contact information for all locations.

In addition, the child received a certificate signed by the Director stating, "As our gift to you this Holiday Season, $_____ in overdue fines have been forgiven from your library account.  The Board and Staff of the Wayne County Public Library hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your library!"

Many who learned of the holiday season fine forgiveness program for children complimented the Library for removing a barrier to a child's future success.  Both parents and the community at large liked the program because it required the child to not only acknowledge their fine, but that it also taught them how to avoid fines and pledge not to have future fines.

We plan to do the program again in the future.

Jimmie

Jimmie Epling
Director
Wayne County Public Library
304 N. Market Street / P.O. Box 1349
Wooster, OH 44691
O: 330.262.0986 / 330.804.4702  Ext. 7022
C: 606.923.1576
jepling at wcpl.info<mailto:jepling at wcpl.info>

"A different world cannot be built by indifferent people."



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