It might not be a big deal in the scheme of granting pardons, but for more than 140,000 kids with overdue fees of $15 or more in New York public libraries, amnesty means they’ll get to take books out again — if they participate in the library’s summer reading program.

The NYPL will waive fines for thousands of children barred from taking out books because of their outstanding fines, in order to get them reading again.

Starting today, those kids and young adults will be able to borrow books again. In order to be eligible for the amnesty program, known as “Read Down Your Fines,” they need to log their reading on the library’s web site. Every 15 minutes of reading wipes out $1 in fines.

“Kids might be afraid or ashamed because they are delinquent with the library,” said NYPL official Jack Martin. “The idea of this program is to bring them back in.

“We are in such hard economic times and children and teens depend on the library,” he added.

New York Public Library grants amnesty to 143K kids with outstanding fees to get them reading again [New York Daily News]
Summer Reading: Read Down Your Fines | The New York Public Library [Official Site]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.