Many people from IFLS-land will remember Dawn Wacek as the library director (and before that, the youth services manager) at the Rice Lake Public Library.  She left our system, but thankfully didn’t leave the state, she is currently the youth services manager at the LaCrosse Public Library.  And this winter, she delivered a powerful and compelling TEDx Talk!

In it, Dawn makes a strong argument for getting rid of fines at libraries, and explains that fines run against the public library’s mission of free access to information, promoting reading, leveling the playing field, etc.  I know there is a divergence of opinions and realities about fines in the library world, and I think that a library can provide thoughtful, responsive, inclusive service whether they have fines or not.  Still, I think it is crucial to consider the way fines can have a disproportionate effect on people who have less disposable income, and Dawn does a tremendous job of bringing this to light.  If you are on the fence about fines, or if you are convinced but looking for good ways to explain your position to other people, I recommend taking a look at her talk.  She comes at it from a youth services perspective, which is a great perspective, in my book!  And we know her!  How cool is that?!