Public Library is now truly public

Until this month, 343,208 users of the Chicago Public Library (shown here) -- including 20% of all patrons under 14 years of age, could not borrow any books because they had run up more than $10 in late fees. Now the library has forgiven them.

And that's not all. The library has also declared the end of late fees. "We are taking a step in the right direction by helping our library system once again serve as a gathering place for the entire community, regardless of your financial status," said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. So far, Chicago is the biggest city to eliminate late fees. Phoenix, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. have already done so. What about your local library?