Ink Notes

Adams Township Trustee

On Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022 from 5:00 to 6:30pm, the Swearing in ceremony for Adams Township Trustee, Denita Washington, was held at 1125 Hartzell street in New Haven, IN.

Congratulations to Ms. Washington for her second term!

ACPL Eliminates Barriers by Removing Fines for All Patrons

The Allen County Public Library announced it is doing away with overdue fines and fees for all ACPL cardholders. Approved by the Library’s Board of Trustees at its December 15 meeting, effective January 3, 2023 ACPL will erase all fines and fees from the accounts of its patrons. In addition, cardholders will no longer accumulate fines and fees for overdue materials. Those cardholders will continue to be responsible for fees related to lost or damaged library materials.

In recent years, libraries across the country have embraced fine free policies as a key tool to remove barriers. According to the Library Journal’s “2022 Fines and Fees Survey”, the percentage of U.S. libraries charging fines has decreased steadily over the last five years. In 2017, 92% of libraries charged fines. Today, that number is only 36%.

“What the data shows us is that although fees may seem like a small burden, they actually create significant barriers to access,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan Baier. “Overdue fines, regardless of their amount, force us to prioritize fee collection over patron service. I applaud our board for taking this bold action to ensure library access to all members of our community.”

Library cardholders do not need to take action to erase existing fines and fees related to overdue items. Those will be cleared from accounts at start of business January 3. Fines and fees related to lost or damaged items will remain in place.

For more information about the library going fine free, patrons can call (260) 421-1200 or visit a local ACPL branch.

United Way of Allen County Selects President and Chief Executive Director

United Way of Allen County is pleased to announce Robert Haworth, Ph.D. as President, and CEO effective January 3, 2023.

Haworth brings a wealth of experience in executive and nonprofit leadership. Most recently, Haworth served as an executive in several Indiana school corporations.

“Haworth is a proven leader with significant experience in increasing educational access and building unique collaborations to benefit families and communities. We know he will help lead the United Way of Allen County the future.” stated John Court, Chairman of UWAC Board of Directors.

Haworth was selected by the board of directors following a national search. The board received hundreds of applications from a wide range of diversified and qualified candidates.

The United Way’s goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems by boldly impacting critical community issues addressing educational opportunities, food insecurity, housing stability and mental health.

"I am humbled by the Board of Directors' decision and look forward to helping the United Way of Allen County begin its second century of impact." Haworth said.

Haworth is a committed educator and leader with a bachelor’s degree from Greenville College, master’s degree from Indiana University Southeast as well as a doctoral degree from Indiana State University.

Haworth will follow Interim Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer Greg Johnson.