Since becoming a "fine free system" the Houston Public Library has seen a spike in users in the city.
Houston Chronicle
Kennedy Sessions, Chron
Since becoming a "fine free" system and wiping overdue fees, the Houston Public Library System (HPL) has seen a spike in Houstonians wanting to use its resources again. The Houston Public Library started an amnesty period from January 18 to February 17, allowing residents to return overdue items and wipe their fee records.
According to HPL, 3,098 people returned around 21,245 items borrowed from the library, totaling a value of $425,000 of items at the library.
"It has been incredibly successful in just a few short months that we have been fine free," Houston Public Library System Deputy Assistant Director Julie Mintzer told the Houston Public Media.
Mintzer also thanked the Houston City Council for passing the ordinance to become a "fine free" system like other metropolitan cities nationwide. The Houston City Council unanimously voted to start the new system in January.
Moreover, Mintzer said that of the 3,098 people who returned items, 850 are active library users again and that many of them were surprised the system cleaned their overdue fees.
"A lot of people didn't believe it, they were so thrilled," Mintzer told Houston Public Media. "Some people accrued fines on their accounts for different reasons, whether it be a family member who checked items out, whether they have lost things during a storm or other natural disaster-so they were shocked."
The HPL system has over 41 public service units with 27 neighborhood libraries that can be found here.
In February, Harris County Commissioners also voted to adopt a "fine free" system at the 26 library branches in the region. Harris County residents can also apply for a same-day library card and find their local library here.