Even if youve racked up big library fines, your local library might be ready to shelve your debt.
Meanwhile, I signed up for library cards at neighboring municipalities.
Still, I yearned to check out books from the Kansas City Public Library close to my home.
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All that worry for nothing.
Geez, I wish dealing withcredit card debtwas this easy.
But theres a better way.
It can pay off to check with your library about its fine-forgiveness policies.
Heres a sampling of the forgiveness programs out there.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Your local library may be running a similar program.
No Questions Asked
The Miami-Dade Public Library System participates in Fine Forgiveness month throughout September.
Just bring overdue books and other items to get your fines waived, no questions asked.
South Florida isnt the only sunny state where libraries offer this program.
You may be the one to give them the idea.
Dont let fines keep us apart.
Patrons got their fines waived and received a groovy Summer of Library Love sticker.
You may not have to wait until next summer to have your late fees waived.
Check your librarys website to see if it has an amnesty program running this winter.
Dead Week and Finals Week
Even universities offer an olive branch to students with overdue books.
North Dakota State University lets students return overdue books without fear of fines during dead week and finals week.
We at the library are merciful, proclaims the university librarys fine-forgiveness page.
Most universities will hold your degree until their books are returned or their fees are paid.
If its senior year and you have overdue books, speak to the librarian now.
This program helps remove access barriers by giving young people a second chance.
Public libraries around the country are easing up on fines for childrens books.
Some allow young borrowers to read off their debt, chipping away$5.00 for every hourthey read.
Make a call to your librarys front desk to ask if theyre doing something similar.
Bring Us Your Lost, Your Damaged, Your Overdue
Great River Regional Library in St. Youve got six months to gather up your overdue books and DVDs.
Donating blood for fine forgiveness isnt unique to West Florida.
Libraries inArizonaandConnecticutalso host blood drives through the American Red Cross.
Your library may not waive up to $50, but you wont know unless you check it out.
Proceeds from Kibbles and Books in March went to the Natchitoches Humane Society.
Who knew that curling up with a good book every night was good for the forgiveness bone?
Librarians know that nobodys perfect.
So, dont be like George Washington.
Check out your local librarys website for your chance to live a fine-free life.
Deb Hippis a freelance writer based in Kansas City, Missouri.
She learned her lessons about money the hard way.
Debs personal finance and credit articles have been published by Credit Karma, Debt.com and HuffPost.
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