Overdue Stimulation

Posted On Apr 1 2009 by

In a move that is still resonating throughout the library community, the Obama Administration announced that it would be granting nation-wide amnesty to library patrons with overdue books and fines. What this means for the financial bottom line in libraries remains uncertain.  One thing’s for sure–libraries won’t hear the cha-ching of the circulation desk cash drawer for some time to come.  “Libraries already have a tough time collecting these fines,” commented an Administration official who added, “Getting Americans to spend that money in stores will certainly do more to stimulate the economy.” Neither the American Library Association nor any of …