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Chattanooga Public Library launches 'Start Smart' free-card and fines-elimination initiatives for young children
Summary
Library officials asked the board to help publicize Start Smart, which provides no-cost library cards for children and removes fines on youth materials; they also highlighted partnerships that expand access, including free bus passes for youth.
Leaders from the Chattanooga Public Library told the Hamilton County Board of Education about a Start Smart initiative that provides no-cost library cards to young children and eliminates fines on youth materials to encourage early literacy and access.
"One is going to be, no cost library cards for anyone 0 to 5 years old in Hamilton County," said Will O'Hearn, executive director of the Chattanooga Public Library. He said the program builds on an existing partnership that already offers no-cost library cards to Hamilton County employees and students regardless of residence and extends benefits to children from birth through 18.
Lee Hope, director of youth services, told the board the library currently has 34,946 active cards in the hands of students and teachers and that the library automatically renews student cards while students remain enrolled. Hope said the library has hosted 14 field trips this school year for more than 1,100 students and has 11 more scheduled for 619 students. The library also reported more than 13,000 rides provided through its Read and Ride partnership with CARTA and that it has distributed over 1,500 bus passes to youth.
O'Hearn said the Start Smart program also eliminates fines on youth materials (the policy applies to youth items rather than levying fines on individuals) and emphasized research showing fines do not improve return rates and can deter library use. Library staff described outreach programs aligned with school curricula, field trips, in-school visits, and collaborations with school librarians, Signal Centers, the Department of Children’s Services case managers, and local foundations.
Library leaders asked board members to help spread the word about Start Smart offerings and offered to host tours of library facilities for board members.
No board action was taken; the presentation was informational.
