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Chattanooga Public Library unveils Start Smart program: free library cards for ages 0–5, fines waived for youth materials
Summary
Library officials asked commissioners to help spread word about Start Smart, which offers no-cost library cards for Hamilton County children ages 0–5, eliminates fines on youth materials and continues the Read and Ride free-bus-pass partnership; commissioners expressed support but no county funding request was made.
Chattanooga Public Library officials briefed the Hamilton County Commission on Start Smart, a new library initiative that gives free library cards to every county child ages 0 to 5 and eliminates fines on youth materials, and described ongoing partnerships that aim to reduce access barriers.
"We're offering no cost library cards for everyone in Hamilton County from ages 0 to 5," said Willow Hearn, executive director of the Chattanooga Public Library. She told commissioners the library is not requesting county money but asked elected officials to help publicize the program.
The library also plans to waive fines on youth materials,…
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