From Wednesday, June 1 through Wednesday, June 8, Ouachita Parish Public Library will hold an Amnesty Week, which will allow fines on patrons' accounts to be forgiven, up to $200. The library is giving its patrons this opportunity to clear their outstanding fines and welcome them back to the library just in time for the Summer Reading Challenge. To gain fine forgiveness, patrons must visit a library branch with their library card or photo ID. Once the patron's account is verified, the library will clear fines regardless of their age. Children 16 and younger must be accompanied by the parent or guardian who signed their account.
The library is aware that difficulties paying fines can prevent a reader from using the library and its services. This is the perfect opportunity to check bookcases, under beds, or in cars to recover forgotten library books. Things happen and the library doesn't judge. The library wants readers back in the library using services, especially when kids are out of school for the summer.
The library's Ocean of Possibilities Summer Reading Challenge is from June 1 through July 31. This challenge is open to all ages and encourages reading for fun. Ask a local librarian for details, or visit www.oplib.org/summerreading.
The mission of the library is to advance literacy, inspire lifelong learning, and strengthen the community by serving everyone in Ouachita Parish. The library serves a diverse community of approximately 160,000 people. The library has ten branches throughout the parish, plus a bookmobile, outreach services and e-services online.