Chicago book returns surge 240% after city eliminates fines
I think what's being missed in the discussion on HN is the reason CPL eliminated fines.  It's not about the money, nor is it about getting the books back.  It's to improve access to the library system.<p>CPL did a study of who held the cards with suspended privileges because of late fees, and found out that the vast majority were people in poor neighborhoods, and of those the vast majority were children.<p>Now with the new rules it opens up book borrowing again to tens of thousands of people who need it most.<p>/CPL cardholder.