Swapping Adorable Cat Pics for Late Library Book Returns
Massachusetts library is encouraging community engagement during Meowness’ month.
Have you ever forgotten to return a library book? You are not alone. That’s why one Massachusetts library came up with a very adorable way for people to return long overdue books without paying huge fees. All you have to do is bring in a cat picture and the fees will be forgiven for all of March 2024.
The Worcester Public Library (WPL) came up with this purrfect plan to forgive fees to get the people who owe them back into the library, according to a statement on the library’s website. There are of course some rules and restrictions – like the books must be from WPL and how late the books have to be – but the premise is clear. The library wants you back.
March Meowness
The cat pics for fees is part of a month-long celebration of all things cats, reported People, that is called March Meowness. But you do not have to own a cat or even bring in a real photo of a cat to participate. The library will also accept drawings of your pet cat, your friend’s cat, famous cat, library cat, or shelter cat.
“We will accept honorary cats as well, so you may show us a picture or drawing of a dog, raccoon, orca, capybara, or any other animal,” the library shared on social media.
The idea for the fee forgiveness program came when the librarians noticed that a lot of younger patrons have outstanding fees from the beginning of the pandemic, according to People. There was a concern that fees could keep some people from utilizing the library. So they came up with a fun way to get people – and books – back into the library.
A month of cat themed events
While paying fees with pictures are the cat’s meow, there are plenty of other cat-themed events at the library, reported KSBY News. The kick-off event on March 2 gave library patrons a chance to get involved with local animal shelters, a hands-on DIY cat toy event, and a cat eye make-up tutorial.
Other fun events included a Hello Kitty Parade that also featured a craft, activities, and snacks. Hello Kitty themed apparel was encouraged. There will also be Cat’s Pajamas story times on March 19 and 22 as well as a month-long cat scavenger hunt.
On the serious side, the library is hosting an Understanding Your Cat event, on March 23, by cat behaviorist Dr. Rachel Gellar that will help the attendees understand their cat’s behavior. This is a purrfect way to build community at the local library, one cat picture at the time.
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