Hamilton public library ends fees for youth, waives for all during pandemic

Overdue book? You might be in luck, as Hamilton Public Library is waiving all fines and fees racked up by library goersduring the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fines accumulated from March 15, 2020 to December 31, 2021 will be waived.

The library is also permanently eliminating fines and fees on materials for children and teens.

Theapproach, the library said, will ensure people can access resources "without fear of fines." They say it alsosupports the community through the pandemic and recovery period.

In a media release, chief librarian and CEO Paul Takala saidthe idea is to give everyone a "fresh start" and encouraged people to "pay-it-forward to help others." The library also launched a fund to increase kids' access to learning resources.

The library said the community and financial impacts of the changes over the next 18 months willbe reported to the board in the fourth quarter of2021.