Chicago Libraries Forgive Overdue Fines for Limited Time

The Chicago Public Library's fine amnesty program runs through Feb. 18

Chicagoans with overdue books and other library materials have a chance to bring them back without paying fines.

The Chicago Public Library's fine amnesty program runs through Feb. 18. Late fees will be waived and patrons with lost items will pay only the replacement cost.

The last time the library system offered an amnesty program was in 2012. The library received more than 100,000 overdue items, valued at about $2 million, and forgave about $642,000 worth of fines.

Late materials returned in 2012 ranged from those only a few weeks overdue to one book that should have been returned in 1934.

The library calls the program "Welcome Home" because it puts books, CDs and DVDs back in circulation and brings patrons back to the library.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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