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Library Director, Kelly Tomaseski has instituted an unusual but community responsive approach to overdue fines at the Town of Esopus Library. She has created a program in which overdue library fines will be negotiable based on the patron situation. Patrons will still have to return overdue items but they will be able to pay off these fines in creative and unique ways. The month of April has been slated Fine Amnesty Month at Town of Esopus Library. During that month patrons can bring in non-perishable food items in lieu of outstanding fines. This collection of food is then donated to the local food bank. Kelly has also introduced a volunteer program that allows patrons to work off their fines by weeding gardens, putting away books or conducting other maintenance tasks that may be required around the library building. This volunteer program is available to both adult and teen patrons and can be utilized at any time of the year. “In light of the current economic environment the library has to be flexible to better serve our patrons” says Kelly. Many other member libraries within the Mid-Hudson System are following suit. By offering this type of fine alternative the “library” is once again perceived as a place of community with a deep understanding of local, national and global needs. Many patrons at Esopus are already taking advantage of the volunteer program to work off their fines. The Town of Esopus Library gardens have never looked better! 
Library Director, Kelly Tomaseski has instituted an unusual but community responsive approach to overdue fines at the Town of Esopus Library. She has created a program in which overdue library fines will be negotiable based on the patron situation. Patrons will still have to return overdue items but they will be able to pay off these fines in creative and unique ways. The month of April has been slated Fine Amnesty Month at Town of Esopus Library. During that month patrons can bring in non-perishable food items in lieu of outstanding fines. This collection of food is then donated to the local food bank. Kelly has also introduced a volunteer program that allows patrons to work off their fines by weeding gardens, putting away books or conducting other maintenance tasks that may be required around the library building. This volunteer program is available to both adult and teen patrons and can be utilized at any time of the year. “In light of the current economic environment the library has to be flexible to better serve our patrons” says Kelly. Many other member libraries within the Mid-Hudson System are following suit. By offering this type of fine alternative the “library” is once again perceived as a place of community with a deep understanding of local, national and global needs. Many patrons at Esopus are already taking advantage of the volunteer program to work off their fines. The Town of Esopus Library gardens have never looked better! 
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