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S.F. Library Offers Big Chance to Turn in Overdue Books

By Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO — Between June 1 and 15, the San Francisco Public Library is making a rare offer: full waiving of all fines for overdue books and other items.

And a prize for the best excuse.

The two-week amnesty period was authorized by Supervisor Leland Yee. Supporters hope the amnesty period will encourage people to return books and tell great stories.

A contest will be held for the most overdue item, the most interesting story about why the item wasn’t returned, and the greatest distance an item traveled before being returned.

During the last amnesty period in 1998, one library patron turned in a book rented three days before the 1906 earthquake, library officials said. The officials promised that any interesting stories will be well publicized.