February is “It’s a Fine Thing” month at the Paris Public Library. Patrons that have stayed away from the Library because of fines owed or materials overdue have no reason to do so during the month.
Fines are used to encourage the return of library materials within the loan period – which for books and audios is three weeks, and a week for videos. However, there are instances where library patrons build up such large fines that instead of paying the fines they simply stop using the library- whether it is from an inability to pay the fine or embarrassment because of the amount of money owed. We want our materials and our borrowers back. So, to get those materials and people back in the library we are forgiving the overdue items and fines. There are of course some restrictions on the amnesty, so this is how it works.
From February 1st through February 28th anyone returning overdue items –no matter how long overdue- can do so without worrying about a fine. Items may be returned in the curbside book drop in the parking lot, the book drop in the wall to the right of the entry doors, or inside at the Circulation desk and their fines will be waived.
Additionally, patrons with fines already on their accounts may come into the Library and ask staff at the Circulation desk to waive any fines they may have and the staff will do so. The patron must come into the Library, we will not waive fines for those who telephone us and ask us to do so. Fines will only be waived for the person making the request, or that person’s minor child. A patron cannot ask that their spouse’s fines be waived, or their aunt’s or uncle’s or sister’s and so forth.
This is the first time in over a decade that Paris Public Library has offered amnesty, and it may be that long before is it offered again. February is the time to return those overdue items without a penalty.
If you have any questions please contact the Library at (903) 785-8531, or email the director at pmcanally@paristexas.gov.