FAQ: Summer Reading: Read Down Your Fines

Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Reading: READ DOWN YOUR FINES

How long does the program last?

This program runs for only a limited time.  It starts July 25, 2011 and runs through September 9, 2011.  After that normal borrowing rules, fines and fees policies go back in effect.

Who is eligible?

Most NYPL card holders, including children, teens and adults who owe fines to the library. Patrons with over $1,000 in fines or fees are not eligible. Adults who have been barred from the library are not eligible to participate. 

Where can I take part?

At any New York Public Library.  You can sign up for summerreading.org online but you need to visit a branch to get your secret badge code so we can update your library card account.  You’ll also need to show a staff member that you’ve logged enough reading time in your summerreading.org profile to meet your reading goal.

How does SummerReading.org work?

Summerreading.org is a fun website where readers from NYC public libraries create profiles with avatars and record the books they read, write reviews, win badges and find out what others are reading.  

How do I add a badge code to my summerreading.org account?

 Click this link in your profile and type in your secret badge code.

 After entering the code you will see the badge in your profile and your avatar on the badge page.

How do I add my library card and PIN to my SummerReading.org registration?

After you enter one of NYPL's 3 boroughs (Bronx, Manhattan or Staten Island) in the registration form you will see this box open at the bottom of the registration form.  This is where you enter your library card number and PIN.  Adding your library card number and PIN also enrolls you in automatic logging for summerreading.org.  This means the titles of books and other media you borrow will automatically be sent to your profile for possible display on your page.  If you choose not to approve the title it will remain private.
 

 I already have a SummerReading.org profile but I didn't enter my library card number or PIN when I registered.  Can I add them now?

Yes.  Just click "Edit My Profile" next to your avatar and add your library card number and PIN to the registration form.  Both are required to participate in Read Down Your Fines.

I live in Brooklyn or Queens but I borrow books from NYPL.  Can I still participate?

Yes but only for the books you borrow from NYPL.  When registering your NYPL library card on summerreading.org you must select Bronx Manhattan or Staten Island as a borough to register your library card.  Select the borough where the NYPL branch you use most frequently is located.  There is also a Queens Libary Read Down Your Fees program for children and teens.

I lost my library card. Can I get a new one?

Yes, but you still have to pay the $1 lost card fee.  You need a library card number and PIN to register for Read Down Your Fines.  If you don’t have either one ask a library staff member to help get you started.

Are there any limits to the program?

Yes. Patrons with blocked cards may only borrow 10 books at one time and may not take out more than 100 items total.  Adults barred from the library are not eligible to participate. Books borrowed from libraries other than NYPL through interlibrary loan or other methods are not included even if an NYPL card was used.  Additional restrictions may apply.

Do I have to read anything special?

Any reading in a book, magazine, newspaper, database, ebook, web site or audiobook  is acceptable. You can read in any language.  CDs, DVDs and games don’t count, though.

I don’t know how to read yet.  Is there any other way I can take part in the program?

Parents and older kids can also read to younger children and both of you can get credit for the time.

Someone else borrowed items for me on their card.  Can I read down fines that are on someone else’s card?

No.  You can only read down fines on books borrowed with your own card.  

In the summer, can I also get credit for reading for the Summer Reading Program or do I have to read different things?

Yes.  The books you read and time you log count for both Summer Reading program activities and Read Down Your Fines. 

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