Library's switch to digital-only fines has me worried about access

I just learned that our town library now requires all late fines to be paid digitally, with no cash accepted. This change seems to ignore people who aren't comfortable with online payments. My neighbor, who is in her seventies, had to leave without paying because she only carries cash. She felt left out and frustrated by the new rule. While digital payments are quick, they also mean every little transaction is tracked by someone. I think we're moving too fast toward a cashless world without thinking about privacy. We need to remember that not everyone can or wants to use digital money. Keeping cash as an option is important for fairness and control over our own spending.

4 comments

4 Comments

the_quinn1mo ago

Well, I'm younger and still mess up online payments sometimes.

craig.alex1mo ago

Oh man, I'm a full adult and my last online payment went to one of those "save the trees" ads that pops up over the article I'm trying to read. Pretty sure I just bought a single pixel in a digital forest.

brianm661mo ago

Those guilt trip ads are the worst. They make you feel bad for trying to close the pop up. I've almost done the same thing trying to click the tiny 'x' in the corner. At least you got a pixel, I bet some people just donate by accident.

aaron_perry16d ago

Those pop-ups are getting smarter. They make you rush and click before you think. Feels like they're counting on our autopilot mode.