Yes, you read correctly. The Chicago Public Library want its books back and they won’t even charge you. Well, they won’t charge from August 20 – September 7, 2012. However, you do have to pay if you’ve lost an item. Hopefully, it’s just one.

If I were you, I’d take advantage of this offer for two reasons. First, hey haven’t offered amnesty in over 20 years. And second, the city has been sucking the life out of residents financially, so if they are giving a inch, we better take a mile. If you have any books, videos, CDs, VCR tapes, and even cassette tapes, turn them in –  no matter how long you’ve had them.

Your library card is pretty much like a credit card. If you don’t pay your bill, your charging privileges are revoked, which is pretty much like death to me. But here’s what it means to those of you who could care less about getting behind on your bills.

• You can’t use the library computers when your home computer crashes
• You can’t charge out movies when you can’t pay your cable or NextFlix bill
• You can’t use the library site to conduct research from home, and you’d have actually go INTO the library and touch a book (that would suck majorly)
• You can’t get into the museums for free. Have you seen the prices lately?
• And you can’t use your credit card to order books online (because you haven’t paid the bill) so you’ll need to get that book from the library

According to the press release, Mayor Rahmbo said,  “This program will allow parents and children the chance to start the school year with a clean record and enable them to check out materials that will help with their studies and classes,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Regardless of the reason for not returning an item, students with overdue materials can start fresh and take advantage of the Library and its extensive resources for their studies.” Translation: he’s about to double the current late fines starting next year so you better get the late books in while it’s free.

Anyway, the city is trying to encourage the use of the library because they have much to offer. In addition to library services and computers, they serve as a community and educational center; they allow artists, writers, musicians and other creatives to share their gifts with the community; and they offer reading programs and other activities for young people. Let’s help keep the Chicago Public Library services free! Okay, if you don’t do it for yourself, at least do it for me. I love the library.

Don’t forget to clear your Chicago Public Library account from August 20 – September 7, 2012.