Using library is a privilege

I read with interest The New York Times article in the April 1 Bee about how the free library system is not free for the poor. It goes on to say how many kids can’t borrow books because they have lost books already borrowed or have late fees for overdue books.

The article says that some cities are considering an amnesty program to reduce or waive those fees so the people can again borrow library materials.

What are we trying to teach our kids? I don’t have any issue with amnesty and giving second chances. I do have an issue with the article headline implying the poor are treated differently by libraries than the others. I know as a library user, I agreed to follow rules of the library and pay any lost items or late fees.

This has nothing to do with income. People who lose books or don’t turn them in prevent others from borrowing those books. Using the free library is a privilege that should not be abused or we all lose that privilege.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 7:47 AM with the headline "Using library is a privilege."