Vancouver Island Regional Library is allowing young readers to lower library fines by reading.
The Read Down Your Fines initiative, part of the Summer Reading Club, allows children up to 12 years old the opportunity to waive $5 of library fines for each summer reading record page they complete, with a maximum fine reduction of $35.
“The goals of Read Down Your Fines are to encourage families to return to their library and to foster a love of reading at a young age,” said Rosemary Bonanno, regional library executive director, in a press release. “Studies show that reading as few as three to five books over the summer months can help elementary students maintain or improve their reading levels for the school year. School-aged literacy is integral to developing life-long library customers.”
The financial barriers of fines can present a significant challenge for some families, said the press release. The initiative seeks to reduce barriers and allow people to use the library again.
The initiative runs until Aug. 22 and children will receive their reading record, a bookmark, tattoo and magnifying mirror when they sign up.
For more information, see www.virl.bc.ca.