In 2009, the state reduced aid to the Bradford County Library by nearly 22 percent. In order to help alleviate the void these cutbacks created, the Board of Trustees of the Bradford County Library decided to begin charging fines for overdue items.

During the month of September, Bradford County Library will have a fine amnesty program. The program is intended to encourage the return of library materials by library users whose overdue fines are keeping them from coming back to the library.

All materials must be returned in good condition. This deal excludes replacement fees for lost and damaged materials. It also excludes items checked out in September. Fines will not be waived over the telephone.

Library Director Jeff Singer said, “It’s crucial that patrons return materials on time. This allows more people to enjoy and use the items. But we don’t want just the items to return, we want our patrons to return, too! It’s important for the Library to welcome back customers and eliminate any barriers created by overdue fines.”

The amnesty program is valid only during the month of September. For more information, please call the Library at 297-2436 or visit bradfordcountylibrary.org. The Bradford County Library is located on Route 6 in Burlington.