“With this move, we can truly say any child in our community can afford to check out a book at our libraries,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “The libraries in Manchester are much more than a collection of books — they’re pivotal centers of our community. No child should be unable to engage in learning because of their family’s income level.”
The decision to eliminate overdue fines is part of a growing national trend in library policies to promote reading. Manchester library staff also noticed there was an issue once they held discussions with families who said they hadn’t been to a library in years due to their inability to pay late fees.
“We’ve recently begun working more closely with the Manchester School District, and we realized we needed books to be as accessible as they can be to our children and students,” said Denise van Zanten, Library Director. “Eliminating fines on materials for our young learners will continue to promote early literacy and drive our efforts forward.”
“By eliminating fines on children’s and young adult materials, we are taking down a barrier and opening a door to a critical resource for children and teens so that they can continue to learn and grow,” added Karyn Isleb, Head of Youth Services and Alex Graves, Teen Librarian, Manchester City Library.
This change does not impact any current accounts, but the library will review those on a case by case basis as requested by the borrower/parent/guardian. Library users will still be asked to pay for lost or damaged children and young adult items.
For more information about the Manchester City Library, programs and activities please call (603) 624-6550 or visit www.manchesterlibrary.org.
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