Alameda County Library Welcomes Back Patrons and Materials

FREMONT, Calif., May 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ Alameda County Library will offer a Fine Forgiveness program from June 12 to June 25, 2017. During this two-week period, the Library will remove late fees on all overdue items that are returned, regardless of how long overdue. Alameda County residents can return overdue books, CDs, and DVDs to the library circulation desk or book drop at any branch library to have their late fees cleared. They can also have late fees cleared for materials already returned by making a request online at Ask Us, by phone, or at the circulation desk of any branch library.

The goal of the Fine Forgiveness program is to welcome back thousands of patrons and recover materials. 73,000 patrons have outstanding fines that prevent them from checking out materials. Children and teens make up more than a quarter of patrons with overdue fines. Recovering overdue materials increases the availability of materials for circulation and reduces material replacement costs. The program aligns with the Library's core values of equity and eliminating barriers to access.

"Children and teens stand to benefit the most from our programs especially during the summer months. We hope to reconnect with youth and adults through our Fine Forgiveness program," said Cindy Chadwick, County Librarian.

Research shows that youth who read over the summer months avoid summer learning loss and return to school better equipped to continue with their studies. The Library encourages youth, adults, and families to participate in its Summer Reading program from June 1 to September 15, 2017. Participants will discover new places, learn new things, and win prizes by reading and engaging in various activities. You can sign up for the Summer Reading program now at http://summer.aclibrary.org.

Contact:

Alicia Reyes, Public Information Specialist
areyes@aclibrary.org, 510-745-1544

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