Teens can pay down library fines during Great Durham Teen Read Down

For every 15 minutes that teens read in the teen areas of Durham's libraries, they can apply $2 toward outstanding fines or fees.

Posted 12:24 a.m. Oct 8, 2014 — Updated 12:24 a.m. Oct 8, 2014

In an effort to get more teens reading, the Durham County Library is holding the Great Durham Teen Read Down this month.

The month-long program started Oct. 1 and continues until Oct. 31. It's designed for kids in grades six to twelve to get out to the library and read down the outstanding fines and fees that might be keeping them from checking out more materials. It's offered at all of the library's locations.

“The goals are to empower teens to pay down their fines through reading and to help teens remove barriers that may be keeping them from using the library for fun and for schoolwork,” said teen librarian Jennifer Brannen in a press release.

To take part, teens can sign up at a library information desk, read in the teen area and sign out when they're done. For every 15 minutes of reading, $2 will be applied to outstanding fines or fees. The program is limited to print items only. Cruising around online doesn't count.

Teens can get bonus points toward their fines for reading "March: Book One," which is the 2014 Durham Reads Together title. The maximum fine per item checked out from Durham's libraries is $5, according to the system's policies.

For more information about the Read Down, teens can call Brannen at 919-560-7410 or just head to the library.

Suggest A Correction