Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here
Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
To Our Valued Readers –
Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.
For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.
Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.
Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.
Need to set up your free e-Newspaper all-access account? click here.
Non-subscribers
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Register to comment
Click here create a free account for posting comments.
Note that free accounts do not include access to premium content on this site.
I am anchor
COMMUNITY
Glendale library system eliminates fines
(Glendale Public Library)
The exterior of the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., at night.
Posted
Courtesy Glendale Public Library
The Glendale Public Library announced Thursday that it is going fines-free, effective immediately.
This decision reflects the library's commitment to removing barriers to access and fostering a more inclusive environment for all community members.
By eliminating fines on overdue materials, the Glendale Public Library aims to ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy unrestricted access to its collection of books, e-books, audiobooks and other resources. The library recognizes that fines disproportionately impact individuals and families facing financial hardships, hindering their ability to utilize the many, diverse services it offers to educate, inform and entertain the community.
"Libraries are essential community resources, and our priority is to ensure that everyone can benefit from what we have to offer," stated Dawn Ferro, interim chief librarian, in a press release. "By going fines-free, we're removing a significant barrier to access and promoting equitable opportunities for learning, exploration, and enrichment."
In addition to eliminating fines on overdue materials, the Glendale Public Library will waive existing fines on patrons' accounts. This one-time amnesty program allows patrons to return late items without incurring any penalties and regain full access to library services.
Patrons with fees on their account for lost items should contact the library to discuss options to reinstate their accounts.
"We want to welcome everyone back to the library without reservations or concerns about overdue fines," stated Jean Moreno, community services director. "Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone feels empowered to explore, learn, and connect with their community."
The decision to go fines-free aligns with a growing trend among libraries around the country to prioritize access and equity. Libraries implementing fines-free policies report positive outcomes, including increased circulation, high patron satisfaction and greater community engagement.
For information about the Glendale Public Library's fines-free policy and the amnesty program, visit www.glendaleazlibrary.com.
Glendale Public Library is a division of the city of Glendale Community Services Department, which can be reached at 623-930-3590.
