Library offers to forgive kids’ fines

Fines will be forgiven only on juvenile materials, officials say.

staff report

WARREN — Children who want to participate in the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program may take advantage of “fine forgiveness” if they find themselves unable to borrow books on their library card due to outstanding fines.

If library customers owe more than $5 in fines, they are unable to use their card to check out materials.

Children age 3 through those entering sixth grade who have their own library card may have fines removed from their card when they register for the Summer Reading Program, said Lori Faust, Youth Services Manager. “We want all children to be able to check out books and enjoy summer reading.”

This year’s children’s Summer Reading Program invites kids to Be Creative from June 8 to July 31. Children can track time spent reading at home to earn prizes. A variety of special programs and activities relating to the creative theme will be held throughout the summer to help motivate children to read.

Children must sign up to be a part of the Summer Reading Program to have fines wiped clean. This is a one-time amnesty at all Warren-Trumbull County Public Library locations, including branch libraries in Brookfield, Cortland, Howland, Liberty and Lordstown, at the Main Library in Warren and on the Bookmobile.

Certain fees will not be erased from children’s records and will need separate attention. These include damaged-material fees, lost-material fees, and collection fines and fees.

“We will be waiving existing fines on returned juvenile materials only,” said Rob Liste, manager of the Circulation Department at the Main Library. “If fines are linked to materials other than children’s items, we will be unable to forgive the fines on those items.”

For more information about the Summer Reading Program and activities, visit the library’s Web site at www.wtcpl.org or call (330) 399-8807, ext. 128.