New chapter as fined abolished at local libraries
LIBRARY USERS who may have let a book loan get away from them over the Christmas break can rest easy as library fines have been abolished under a new strategy to encourage people into their local libraries.
Overdue fines have become a thing of the past as part of the ‘Our Public Libraries 2022: Inspiring, connecting and empowering communities’ strategy which was launched in June 2018. That plan aims to improve access to and increase use of the library as a community hub.
Any outstanding fines have also been waived so borrowers can return any overdue items now, with no penalty, and have their memberships reactivated on the spot so they can use their local library again.
However, the council is keen to stress that no fines does not mean no responsibility. Members will continue to receive reminders and overdue emails to prompt them to return items on or before their due date so that they can be borrowed by other library users.
Fees for lost or damaged adult items will be charged and these will be shown as a balance on a library account. There will be no replacement charge for children’s items which have been lost or damaged.
Eileen Morrissey, County Librarian at Wexford County Council said: ‘Libraries are an invaluable resource for all in the community and we want to remove any barriers that might prevent people making full use of them. This is why we are eliminating fines and other charges.’
Libraries, she said, were welcoming spaces where all members of the community could access knowledge, ideas and information and where people could reflect, connect and learn.
‘Research has shown that people view fines as a barrier to membership and usage of libraries. In addition, fines can create a negative association with library use for children. There is evidence that library services which have removed fines see an increase in usage following their removal and we very much hope that will be reflected now in our library services.’
She said they were inviting people to drop into their local library and see for themselves the free services and facilities on offer there.
‘We can promise that a resolution to use your library more is one you will find very easy to keep throughout the year,’ said Ms Morrissey.