Mayor Tom Barrett announced  Milwaukee Public Library Fine Forgiveness program will be extended for an additional week to continue restoring access for residents to their neighborhood libraries.

The campaign will run an additional week, ending Sunday, October 16, at all Milwaukee Public Library locations.

According to a release from Barrett, since the campaign launched on September 26, more than 6,000 individuals have reactivated their library cards, approximately 700 items have been returned and a significant number of fines have been forgiven. An estimated $180,000 has been forgiven in library fines in the first week.

“The results are adding up, and individuals are excited to once again have access to all that the Milwaukee Public Library has to offer. We’re just as thrilled to extend this campaign an additional week to welcome more past library users back to their neighborhood branch,” Mayor Barrett said. “Our efforts are resulting in more people utilizing useful resources and technology, returning library items and taking advantage of the constructive spaces at MPL locations throughout Milwaukee.”

Individuals interested in participating in the program must visit a Milwaukee Public Library location in person and speak to a staff member. Children under the age of 15 are eligible, but will need a parent or guardian to sign their library card application. Families are encouraged to visit together, as only those present will be eligible for forgiveness.