Benjamin Franklin is often credited with founding the first free library in the country in Philadelphia where books could be borrowed and returned. But according to the Free Library of Philadelphia, that’s actually not true – members had to pay a subscription fee that covered the expenses to buy books and materials.

Fees, including late fees or fines, have been used for a long time by libraries to ensure books and materials that are borrowed are returned on time so others can borrow them too.

But there’s a growing movement across the country for libraries to not levy fines for late returns. The Dauphin County Library System and Hershey Public Library are two of the latest to adopt the policy. Joining us today on The Spark is Karen Cullings, executive Director of the Dauphin County Library System.

Benjamin Franklin is often credited with founding the first free library in the country in Philadelphia where books could be borrowed and returned. But according to the Free Library of Philadelphia, that’s actually not true – members had to pay a subscription fee that covered the expenses to buy books and materials.
Fees, including late fees or fines, have been used for a long time by libraries to ensure books and materials that are borrowed are returned on time so others can borrow them too.
But there’s a growing movement across the country for libraries to not levy fines for late returns. <a href="https://www.dcls.org/">The Dauphin County Library System</a> and Hershey Public Library are two of the latest to adopt the policy. Joining us today on The Spark is Karen Cullings, executive Director of the Dauphin County Library System.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from <a href="https://www.witf.org">WITF</a>, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

Advertisement