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Grand Rapids Public Library clears all children's fines

The Grand Rapids Public Library has eliminated all fines on youth materials.
Credit: Getty Images
A mother seen reading a children's book to her daughter.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Overdue fees on children and teen materials from the Grand Rapids Public Library have been cleared.

The library made the announcement on Wednesday morning, saying that the material will no longer accrue fines and accounts with old fines have been forgiven. 

More than 5,000 library accounts are blocked from using the library because of overdue fines on books and videos from the children and teen's section. The library says that any account with more than $10 in fines can't check out materials. 

“The decision to eliminate fines on youth material is about equity and access,” GRPL Director John McNaughton said. “We know that 75% of Grand Rapids Public School 3rd graders are not proficient in reading. This is a community problem that we can help solve. By removing a large barrier to using the library, we can get books in homes and help to develop a daily reading habit.”

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss called the move "great news for families in the city." The library wants to emphasize the return of library books, videos and other materials instead of penalizing their youngest patrons, removing some of the stress families face while trying to provide education resources and entertainment for their children.

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