San Diego Public Library to erase fines and fees for youth

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Starting this week, the San Diego Public Library will erase any past debts owed by library card holders under the age of 18.

A statement from the City of San Diego Wednesday said the new Fresh Start program will offer one-time fine forgiveness for youth whose accounts were suspended due to unreturned items.

According to the city, more than 2,770 people under the age of 18 have had their library accounts suspended because they failed to return borrowed items.

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Library Foundation SD has offered up $175,500 to clear those accounts and cover the missing items, the city said. Through the Fresh Start program, library staff will work with youth to find the items or reinstate their accounts in a different way.

“Library access is vitally important and SDPL is committed to making the library open to everyone, regardless of their circumstances,” said Misty Jones, San Diego Public Library director. “The library eliminated fines and fees in 2018 and the Fresh Start program builds on that, removing the financial barrier to library access for youth and allowing them full access to the books, programs and educational resources that will benefit them throughout their lives.”

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Library card holders under the age of 18, or their parents and guardians, can apply for Fresh Start online or at any SDPL location. Adults who accumulated fines as juveniles are also eligible to apply. The city said the accounts will be reinstated within 10 business days.

However, youth who do not return items and accrue new fees after having their accounts cleared through Fresh Start will not be allowed to apply again, the city said.

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