Forgiving fines a boost for library

Mayor Lori Lightfoot's decision to eliminate library late fees and lure scofflaw patrons back to Chicago Public Libraries by erasing outstanding debt already is working wonders, aldermen were told Wednesday.

Testifying at City Council budget hearings, Library Commisioner Andrea Telli said hundreds of long-overdue books have been returned in the three weeks since Chicago became the nation's largest major city to jump on the no-fine bandwagon.

"The amount of books returned has increased by 240 percent. A huge increase in the number of books coming back. We're very, very happy to have that. … Those books have a value and cost money to buy. We want those assets back. We also want the patron to come back," Telli said.

Telli noted that forgoing library fines is a national trend - and for good reason. They're a barrier to library use, particularly in impoverished neighborhoods where "people can't afford to pay the fines" and libraries can be a safe haven.

For the full story, click here.