The Chattanooga Public Library is piloting a new program called Reading Down Fines. From September 1 €“ December 31, 2022, youth patrons will have the opportunity to earn €œcredits towards fines from overdue items.
On Tuesdays from 4-6pm and Saturdays from 10 am-12pm, patrons younger than 17 (18 if still enrolled in high school) can sign in at the Eastgate Library with the youth library staff and read on their own while in the department. Youth patrons will earn $2 of credit for each 15 minutes of reading while at the library, up to 1 hour or $8. Credits will only apply to overdue fines, not lost book/card fees or collection fees.
Also, teen volunteers can choose to be Reading Buddies for youth patrons during the Reading Down Fines hours/events. The youth patron will read aloud to the teenager, who will be there to help with difficult words and to ask the younger child questions about the story to encourage the development of key literacy skills.
Event Link:https://chattlibrary.org/event/reading-down-fines-eastgate/2022-11-12