September is an opportunity to “Start Fresh” at Cleveland Public Library (CPL) to allow patrons the ability to return overdue books and materials free of fines for the entire month.

“These are difficult economic times and this initiative gives our patrons an opportunity to bring their overdue books back without embarrassment, and encourages them to come back to the library,” said Felton Thomas, executive director of CPL. “Library books that are not returned cannot be used by others in the community.”

Patrons can return overdue books and materials to any branch between September 1 and September 30 free of fines, no questions asked. Patrons owing fines on previously returned materials can pay 50% of the balance and the remaining 50% will be forgiven.  The goal of this initiative is to promote the return of much needed library materials and to prepare patrons for a materials recovery program that is set to begin in October. The materials recovery program is being adopted as a way to recover lost materials that perhaps could not be replaced due to drastic budget cuts within the library. Patrons with library cards in good standing by October 1 will have the opportunity to continue checking out books, using the computers, and other library services.

September is also National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Cleveland Public Library and schools community-wide are encouraging every student in

kindergarten through 12th grade to register for a Greater Access Library Card.

For more information about the Start Fresh initiative, please contact the Lending Department at (216) 623-2872. For Start Fresh brochures or bookmarks for distribution, please contact Marketing at (216) 623-2869.