(MIAMI, July 29, 2008) – The Miami-Dade Public Library System has designated the months of August and September as Amnesty Months. Through September 30, 2008, patrons who return or replace their overdue materials will have the fines associated with those materials removed from their accounts.

“The goal of the Amnesty Program is to give patrons the opportunity of returning materials without penalty so that other patrons can enjoy them,” says Library System Director Raymond Santiago.

The Amnesty Program comes before the implementation of changes in the renewal of library cards and the handling of delinquent accounts, which begins October 1, 2008. Currently, any library card account with a balance of $30 or more is suspended and the holder is prevented from borrowing materials. Following the Amnesty Program, if a patron fails to respond to written notices and owes more than $30 for more than 30 days, the patron’s account will be referred to a debt collection agency.

Also, effective October 1st, when a library card comes up for renewal, any outstanding fine must be paid in full in order to continue checking out materials. Patrons can go to the library’s website or contact any branch to determine their renewal date.
“With these new procedures in place, we hope to encourage borrowers to return materials by the due date,” Santiago added.

For more information log on to www.mdpls.org or call 305.375.BOOK (2665).

En Español

Media Contact:
Victoria Galan, Public Affairs Officer
305.375.5180; galanv@mdpls.org

Vinora Hamilton, Public Information Officer
305.375.3327; hamiltonv@mdpls.org