Forgive Fees for Cat Photos – Sky Bulletin

For the entirety of the month, the Worcester Public Library in Massachusetts is waiving fees on lost or damaged items with a single, whimsical requirement: patrons must present a cat photo to the library staff.

All cats qualify for this unique promotion. Even those who do not own a cat can take part by showing a picture or drawing of any animal, thereby expanding the fun beyond feline fans.

The library has named this initiative “March Meowness,” aligning the event’s spirit with the popular March Madness, and supporting it with a “Felines for Fee Forgiveness” program.

Patrons kicked off the month with this call from the library to action: “Show us a picture of your cat, a celebrity cat, your cat artwork – any cat will do, and we’ll waive your Worcester Public Library fees,” the library announced on their Facebook page.

There are conditions to the fee forgiveness, such as the materials being Worcester Public Library property and overdue by a minimum of two months. The library also notes that not all items may be eligible and that staff discretion plays a role in waiving fees, as outlined in their full statement online.

According to Jason Homer, the executive director, around 400 patrons have had their access restored. In an interview on Monday with WBUR, Homer expressed that the library staff is “feline good” about this positive campaign. 

Fee forgiveness isn’t all there is to “March Meowness,” as the library has partnered with local animal rescues for engaging events. These include cat interaction sessions with the Worcester Animal Rescue League, DIY cat toy workshops benefitting the rescues, voting on a “March Meowness bracket,” and additional programs like cat eye makeup tutorials, a Hello Kitty party, creative art projects, and classes on feline behaviors.

The library also invites patrons to delve deeper into the world of cats through various related titles on offer.

Next: The Internet can’t get enough of a cat’s over-the-top reaction during a family photoshoot.

FAQs About “Felines for Fee Forgiveness” Program

• Do my cat photos have to be of my own cat?
  No, any cat picture will do, including famous cats or even artwork and drawings of cats.
• Are all library fees eligible for forgiveness?
  The Worcester Public Library specifies that items must be owned by them and considered lost for at least two months. Not all items may be eligible for fee forgiveness, and it is subject to staff discretion.
• How can I participate in the library events?
  You can take part by attending the scheduled events at the library, such as craft sessions, workshops, and educational talks. You can find more information and a calendar of events on their website.
• What is the duration of the program?
  This program lasts for the entire month of March.

Conclusion

The “March Meowness” at the Worcester Public Library offers a unique and charitable approach to handling overdue book fees, while simultaneously fostering community engagement and supporting local animal services. It stands out as an excellent example of how public libraries can create positive, community-centered campaigns that resonate with their patrons. Whether you’re a cat owner, an animal lover, or just someone with a library fee to clear, the program makes for a charming and memorable library experience. It’s not every day that library fines get waived in such a “purrfect” way!