Chicago Public Library Waives Fines For Overdue Material

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Public Library wants patrons to return their materials, and,for the next two weeks, it won't ask any questions--or collect any fines.

Starting on Thursday, people who have overdue books, or other materials, can return them to a library branch and won't have to pay a penalty.

It doesn't matter if it has been a few days or a few years.

If you have lost a book, the library will waive overdue fines, as long has you pay for a replacement.

The fine amnesty program runs through February 18.

When the library launched a similar initiative in 2012, many patrons returned books--and even record albums--that were checked out in the 1970s and 80s.

To all of our patrons and materials that we've lost due to overdue fines, Welcome Home. Fine Amnesty begins today! https://t.co/F32ugOjL6o

— ChicagoPublicLibrary (@chipublib) February 4, 2016

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The oldest item was a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde's only published novel, which had been due back at the library in 1934.

Almost every item returned was put back in circulation within a few days. Their total estimated value is $2,035,473, the library said. The library received 101,301 items and waived $641,820 in fines.

In addition, 40,000 people applied for and received new or updated library cards.

And that is ultimately the goal: to get customers back and introduce them to the library's variety of services. according to the library's website.