[kazinator]

Of course it would be. People move away, or decide the library is not their thing any more. Interest should be accrued too, so people don't see a down-side to parking the money there compared to a savings account.

You go up to the desk, say you want to cancel your account, hand in your card and get your money back, no questions asked.

[ygjb]

Wait, so now, in order to provide public library services, that are generally free, you want libraries to essentially function as banks and carry account balances and pay out interest?

My dude, I don't think you really understand the goals or objectives of public libraries.

[kazinator]

My view is shaped by the observation that libraries in my neck of the woods in fact attach an account balance to your card. You can pay your balance self-serve using a terminal that accepts bank cards.

[ygjb]

We live in the same neck of the woods, based on your HN profile; there is a balance tracked at Vancouver Public Libraries that is based on late fees. It's also worth noting that VPL wants to get rid of late fees as well, based on this article from a few months ago. https://bc.ctvnews.ca/vancouver-libraries-offering-fine-forg...