New York Public Library Launches "New Chapter" Program, Pardoning Overdue Book Fines For Kids
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A reprieve is on the way for young bookworms who owe library fines, as city officials and library leaders officially launched the "New Chapter" program Thursday.
It allows children 17 and younger to return overdue books throughout the city's three library systems without paying late fees.
Usually, when a person accrues $15 in charges, their library card is suspended.
Organizers say the goal of this program is to encourage kids to keep their noses in books without having to worry about digging into their pockets.
"It's easy, as we all know, to forget to return one book or to lose one, but that shouldn't keep our students from reading," said Anthony Marx, president of the New York Public Library.
The McGraw-Hill Companies will be picking up the tab for a portion of the waived fees.
Kids have until October 31 to return their books free of charge.