Arlington Heights library scofflaws could find forgiveness
Arlington Heights Memorial Library officials are crafting a proposed Fine Forgiveness Week that could allow patrons to return long-overdue materials without facing financial penalties.
Exact details are still being worked out, though so far officials say they aren't considering forgiving collection agency fees or lost or damaged material replacement costs.
The library board gave staff the go-ahead this month to develop a formal proposal, expected to be discussed at the board's next committee-of-the-whole meeting July 2.
"Fine forgiveness is an industry program that has gained popularity over the years," board President Debbie Smart said. "We have not done it to my knowledge before.
"It's preliminary," she added. "We asked (staff) to go back, get more information and a more formal outlook on what they think it would involve."
Library cardholders are locked out from borrowing additional materials when they've accrued at least $10 in overdue charges. Exactly how many cardholders that applies to, and how many materials are outstanding in Arlington Heights, will be detailed in next month's board proposal, officials said.
The Palatine Public Library offered a fine amnesty on two days last April.