Read Away Fines for Kids

May 16, 2014

Huron County, ON – Do you love reading and using the library, but struggle with getting your books back on time? If you are between the ages of 0 and 16 you have the chance to erase those overdue library fines by reading!

From June 23rd to July 11th, children ages 0-16 can ‘pay’ their overdue library fines by reading at home or at the library. Often fines create a deterrent, especially for children, from using the library. If an individual’s fines become too great, they cannot use the library’s book-borrowing services.

The Read Away Fines program provides a 3 week window where children with fines can visit the library and ‘pay’ down these fines through reading. Every 15 minutes of reading removes $1.00 in fines, to a maximum of $20.00.

Participation is easy! Follow these simple steps:

  • VISIT one of the twelve Huron County Library locations and ask staff about the program. Make sure you bring your library card!
  • SIGN UP. Staff will give you a log sheet and reading contract, which must be signed by a parent.
  • READ at home or in the library. For every 15 minutes of reading during the program time period, you will erase $1.00 in fines. You can remove $4.00 in fines for one hour of reading, and so on to a maximum of $20.00.
  • LOG your book titles and the time you spend reading.
  • ERASE YOUR FINES. Once you’ve reached your Reading Goal, bring your log sheet back to the library and show it to the staff. The staff members will confirm you’ve met your goal, and your outstanding fines will be reduced!

Some restrictions apply. Children with more than $10.00 in fines will not be allowed to check out books, and will have to do their reading in the library.

Only fines on children’s items may be read away. The fines may appear on the child’s card or their parent or guardian’s card. Only late fines may be read away; fines for lost or damaged items, processing fines or collection service fees may not be read away.

Books read for Read Away Fines can also be logged for children attending the TD Summer Reading Club in July and August 2014.

Now’s your chance to start fresh at the Huron County Library, right at the beginning of summer! Read Away your Fines! Ask library staff for more details.

Contact Courtney McDonald, Summer Library Assistant for the Huron County Library at 519.482.5457 or cmcdonald [at] huroncounty.ca for more information.

-30-

TO LEARN MORE…
For more information our media contact is: Courtney McDonald, Summer Library Assistant, Huron County Library.

-30-

For more information contact:

Susan Cronin, County Clerk
519.524.8394 (ext 3257)
scronin@huroncounty.ca