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Libraries in Dumfries, Woodbridge, Dale City, Manassas, Haymarket, and Montclair will no longer charge fees or fines when residents fail to return items on time, according to a release from the Prince William County government. (Shutterstock)
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA Prince William Public Libraries will go fine-free starting on July 1, 2021. Patrons will still be responsible for paying for lost or stolen items, but all fines and fees will be removed from accounts after past-due items are returned.
The library system said that the change intends to remove barriers to accessing the library s services. In a news release, officials noted that fines most affect people with limited resources.
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WASHINGTON and FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., April 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) has published a new Leadership Brief on
Anti-Racist Executive Leadership for Public Libraries, sponsored by Gale, a Cengage company. This resource examines the deep roots and enduring harm of structural racism in public libraries and challenges library executives to take on a more active, intentional and accountable role in strengthening their libraries as anti-racist institutions.
ULC Leadership Brief: Anti-Racist Executive Leadership for Public Libraries
This leadership brief gives library executives the strategic direction and framework to address systemic racism.
Introducing the Leadership Brief is the following quote from Baltimore County Public Library Director Sonia Alcántara-Antoine, In order to make any progress as library leaders, we need to look at our own history with humility and have the courage to recognize that we can
Fines create barriers : Omaha Public Library looks to get rid of daily overdue fees
City Council will hear public comment on the proposal April 20 Share Updated: 10:29 PM CDT Apr 16, 2021
City Council will hear public comment on the proposal April 20 Share Updated: 10:29 PM CDT Apr 16, 2021
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Show Transcript ALEXANDRA: BOOKS LEAVE THE OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCHES ON A NEAR DAILY BASIS. BUT THEY DON’T ALWAYS RETURN ON TIME THAT USUALLY EARNS YOU A LATE FEE. BUT THE LIBRARY IS LOOKING T CHANGE THE POLICY AND GET RID OF OVERDUE FINES PUBLIC LIBRARIES ARE HERE T HAVE FREE AND EQUAL ACCESS FOR PEOPLE TO INFORMATION. FINES CREATE BARRIERS TO THO ACCESS TO THAT ACCESS AND ESPECIALLY DISPROPORTIONATELY FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE LOWER INCOME. IT’S NOT A TESTAMENT TO HOW RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE ARE AS MUCH AS IT IS TO HOW MUCH MONEY THEY HAVE. SO WE JUST WANT TO REMOVE THOSE BARRIERS SO THAT ONCE AGAI THIS BECOMES AN EQUITABLE SPACE FOR PEOPLE
Public Libraries Can Tap into Eligible Funds Worth Billions The American Rescue Plan includes significant federal dollars that can support library programs and services that play a larger role in recovery than is generally understood. Carl Smith, Senior Staff Writer | April 14, 2021 | Analysis
A Gallup poll published in January 2020 found that the cultural activity that Americans engaged in most often wasn’t going to a movie theatre, concert or sporting event, but visiting a library. The most frequent users of library services were young people aged 18-29, residents of low-income households and women.
By March 2020, 98 percent of libraries had closed their buildings to some extent, a survey by the American Library Association (ALA) found. They had pivoted, and were working to augment online services and develop new ways to serve their communities during the pandemic. Some jurisdictions reassigned library staf
The Prince Georgeâs County Memorial Library System has strengthened its role as a national leader among public libraries with its efforts to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognized with a 2020 Innovation Award from Urban Libraries Council and two new community engagement grants from Maryland Humanities and Zoobean, respectively, the libraryâs potential for having a positive impact in the community is expanding significantly.
The libraryâs work since March 2020 has focused on essential services and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism through programs, resources, and community engagement. Staff from all departments, the Board of Library Trustees, Friends groups, and the PGCMLS Foundation have each played a role in this effort, which aligns with the Libraryâs new vision: âWe provide a collaborative foundation within the community for all Prince Georgians to create the world they want to see.â