Kids & Teens Can Read Away Their Late Fines at the Library

April 12, 2018 8:26 PM

Santa Monica, California – The Read-Away Your Late Fines program beginning April 16, 2018 will allow youth (0-18 years) who are Santa Monica Public Library cardholders to pay down overdue fines in exchange for spending time reading (or being read to) at any Santa Monica Public Library location. 

In exchange for reading, youth earn “bucks” which can be used to pay down fines. Earn one buck for every 15 minutes read and earn five bucks for reading 1 hour. The program does not apply to lost items and replacement fees.

Patty Wong, Director of Library Services says “The Read-Away program will help our youth readers eliminate their fines while engaging in something fun – reading!  If you haven’t come to the library in a while, we want you back. If you are new to Santa Monica, come join us.”

The Read-Away Your Late Fines program is in conjunction with Fine Free youth cards, starting July 2, 2018. Santa Monica Public Library will stop charging overdue fines to youth cardholders when they return materials late.  The change applies only to overdue fines.  Charges related to lost or damaged materials will continue to apply.  Eliminating overdue fines for our young patrons will help remove barriers to their use of the Library.

The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible. For disability-related accommodations, call Library Administration at (310) 458-8606. 

Media Contact

Susan Lamb
Librarian III
Susan.Lamb@SMGOV.NET

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