"Results are adding up:" Milwaukee Public Library 'Fine Forgiveness Program' extended until Oct. 16

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has announced that the Milwaukee Public Library Fine Forgiveness Program will be extended for an additional week in an effort to continue restoring access for residents to their neighborhood libraries.

The campaign will now end on Sunday, October 16th.

According to a statement from Mayor Barrett's office, since the campaign launched on September 26th, more than 7,800 individuals have reactivated their library cards, approximately 900 items have been returned and a significant number of fines have been forgiven.

An estimated $287,000 has been forgiven in library fines during the campaign's first week.

“The results are adding up, and individuals are excited to once again have access to all that the Milwaukee Public Library has to offer. We’re just as thrilled to extend this campaign an additional week to welcome more past library users back to their neighborhood branch,” Mayor Barrett said in the statement. “Our efforts are resulting in more people utilizing useful resources and technology, returning library items and taking advantage of the constructive spaces at MPL locations throughout Milwaukee.”

”It has been wonderful to welcome back so many residents and families to the Milwaukee Public Library,” said Library Director Paula Kiely in the statement. “Our staff have been working to reintroduce patrons to library services, including job readiness training, children’s programming, digital resources and millions of items in circulation. We are excited to extend the campaign.”

Individuals interested in participating in the program must visit a Milwaukee Public Library location in person and speak to a staff member.

Children under the age of 15 are eligible, but will need a parent or guardian to sign their library card application.

Families are encouraged to visit together, as only those present will be eligible for forgiveness.