Starting June 1, young LA County library users in the Santa Clarita Valley can read at the Stevenson Ranch and Castaic libraries or any LA County library in exchange for book fine forgiveness in “The Great Read-Away.”

The new program offers young library cardholders up to age 21 the opportunity to have their library fines partially forgiven in exchange for time spent reading in the library.

This new initiative — approved by the LA County Board of Supervisors on April 18, 2017 — will help remove barriers to access for young library customers.

Currently, 13 percent of youth cardholders are blocked from library access because of fines, which means they are no longer able to enjoy library services. “The Great Read-Away” program aims to help young cardholders remove fines from their accounts, giving them a fresh start, while simultaneously encouraging reading in the safety of a county library.

The library will reduce outstanding fines by $5 for every hour of reading inside the library. Books, eBooks, graphic novels, comic books, magazines, newspapers, digital databases, and articles all qualify as reading material. Listening to an audiobook or a parent/guardian reading to a child also qualifies.

To participate in the program, children, teens and young adults up to age 21 may visit any staff member at their local library, who will register them for the program and provide an overview of how it works. Participants will sign in on arrival, read for the desired amount of time, and sign out when finished, at which time the corresponding fee amount will be removed from their account. Reading must be done in the library.

About LA County Library

Founded in 1912, LA County Library is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US. It offers free public resources including books, music, multimedia materials, computer and internet access, as well as educational and recreational programs to 3.4 million residents through its 87 community libraries. LA County Library is dedicated to providing exceptional services to its customers by reducing any potential barriers and increasing access and equality of public services for the diverse communities it serves. For more information, visit colapublib.org.