Library's March Meowness: Pay Off Book Fees with Cat Photos
Library Launches 'March Meowness' Fee Forgiveness Program
A Massachusetts library has found a purr-fect way to help patrons clear their overdue book fees. The Worcester Public Library is running a special program throughout March where they'll forgive fees for lost or damaged books in exchange for something simple - a cat photo.
How the Cat Photo Amnesty Works
The program is simple. Bring in a photo of a cat, and the library will forgive your fees for lost or damaged books. The library's executive director, Jason Homer, has been flexible with the rules, stating that if someone absolutely cannot get a cat photo, exceptions can be made. In his words, "basically any ungovernable animal will do."
But there's another important detail - the photos don't have to be of your own cat. Any cat photo will work, which has led to something amazing.
Cats Around the World Join the Cause
Word of the program has spread on social media, and cats worldwide have begun "donating" their photos to help people who don't have cats of their own. These feline helpers are ensuring everyone can take advantage of the fee forgiveness program.
Among the notable cat contributors are Shaggy, famous for refusing to eat wet food unless it comes with a side salad, and another unnamed cat who apparently runs her own ice cream business. These cat celebrities and hundreds of others are lending their images to the cause.
Success of the Program
The results have been impressive. Around 400 library cards have already been reinstated with borrowing privileges restored thanks to March Meowness. The library now features a growing "cat wall" that displays all the submitted photos.
As each day passes, more cat photos appear on the wall, representing hundreds of forgiven library fees and renewed access to books for community members.
The Worcester Public Library's creative approach shows how a bit of feline charm can help bring people back to the library while clearing old fees that might have kept them away.
For those wanting to contribute cat photos to help others, the library accepts submissions through comments on their social media posts about March Meowness.
