Chicago Public Library Offers First Fine Amnesty In 20 Years

By Chuck Sudo in News on Aug 6, 2012 4:40PM

The Chicago Public Library is offering an amnesty from fines for overdue books and other materials as a way to encourage people to take advantage of the library's resources.

The "Once in a Blue Moon" amnesty program (named after the second full moon of the month that will happen on Aug. 31), will take place from Aug. 20 through Sept. 7. During that time late fees will be waived on all books, CDs, DVDs and other materials, no matter how long overdue. The amnesty will apply to all patrons and if an item has been lost, they will be responsible for paying only the replacement cost. (We're breathing a sigh of relief there.)

Mayor Emanuel said in a statement announcing the amnesty.

“This program will allow parents and children the chance to start the school year with a clean record and enable them to check out materials that will help with their studies and classes. Regardless of the reason for not returning an item, students with overdue materials can start fresh and take advantage of the Library and its extensive resources for their studies.”

CPL is currently owed $1.4 million in fines on $2 million in overdue materials dating back to January 2011. The last time the library offered a fine amnesty was in 1992.