'We Wanted Our Patrons Back' — Public Libraries Scrap Late Fines To Alleviate Inequity

npr ^ | 11/30/2019 | Emma Bowman

[Deplorable American1776]

The last time I was in the public library, a homeless person was sleeping on the table stinking up the area. The library was home to preteen urban youths who were sitting (and walking) on the tables talking like they were 5 miles away from each other and a teenage black couple were making out. The librarian said that they can't do anything.

At least the USF library has quiet zones and no Drag Queen story hour...😋

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

If they want their patrons back they might start stocking their shelves with BOOKS.

Only about a third or less of the current libraries are books in any shape or form.

[Albion Wilde]

because of a mere $10 in late fees, an amount that had grown to $30 over the years.... an onerous sum. Even worse, it removed a critical resource from her life.

So why didn't she offer to shelve books or clean the bathrooms for a few hours and earn back her privileges?

Oh, wait, certain people don't believe privileges have to be earned. That's only us chumps.

[petitfour]

There’s probably some government regulation prohibiting a library employee from making such a deal.