“My ability to remember song lyrics from the ’80s far exceeds my ability to remember why I walked into the kitchen.” This anonymous internet meme begins a book, “Why We
Most Del Norters return their library materials on time. They understand that others may be waiting to use them. But many civic-minded book-lovers struggle to return books. They may not have reliable transportation. They may live in insecure housing. They may be dealing with domestic violence.
According to Library Manager Beth Austen, âLate fines were originally put into place to prevent loss of materials. But libraries are discovering that it isnât that simple. A $10 fine is significant to economically vulnerable people. The price of such a fine may represent food for their cupboards or gas to get to work. Over time, the patron may be so intimidated that they do not come back to the library to return their items at all. This creates a barrier to valuable resources.â