Fines probably seemed like a great idea at the time – an encouragement for children (and adults) to keep track of time, keep track of library books and DVDs, and go back into the library to return books and encounter yet more of a library’s offerings. Yet libraries have realized fines and overdue fees are agents of inequity: “The penalties drive away the people who stand to benefit the most from free library resources.” Scrapping fines is one part of the answer. – NPR