"No Fine If You Return the Loaned Book Bitten by Nyangi"

Massachusetts Public Libraries Operate Throughout March
For Books Damaged or Lost Due to Cats
No Return Fee If You Send Cat Photos or Drawings

The image of reading a book with a cat nearby is unrelated to the article content. [Photo by Freepik]

A library in Massachusetts, USA, is running a new book return program throughout March that has been welcomed by dog owners.

On the 11th, Fox News USA reported that the Worcester Public Library in Worcester, Massachusetts, is holding a "March Meow" event where people can share photos of cats to pay for lost books. This system, called the "Cat Forgiveness Program," waives fines if borrowers submit a "photo of their pet" when books are damaged or lost due to their cats. Not only photos but also pet drawings or pet adoption applications are accepted.

'March Meow' image promoted by Worcester Library
Photo by Worcester Public Library

The library devised this program knowing that borrowers are greatly troubled by book return fees. The library also waived fines on overdue books during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. A library official said, "If we charge return fees, we end up losing people. Realistically, those fines do not help the library at all and do not actually generate revenue." He added, "We often joke that right next to us are two of the most American buildings: the public library and the baseball stadium," and said, "Both are equally important to us."

Throughout March, the library is holding events such as making cat crafts and cat toys, talk concerts, screening of 'cat' movies, and cat petting sessions to relieve stress.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.