New chapter as library fines axed in bid to help amid rising costs

scrapping fees for returning books late.

THEY have been a common feature of libraries for decades.

But now, people borrowing books in Perth and Kinross will no longer have to worry about racking up fines.

Culture Perth and Kinross is scrapping fees for returning books late at all its sites – in an attempt to help with the cost-ofliving crisis.

In the year before Covid-19, libraries in the region raked in £12,500 in fines – with the figure dropping to £5,400 for 2021-22 as the number of books borrowed plummeted.

Helen Smout, chief executive, says the move will make libraries more “welcoming and inclusive places”.

She said: “The traditional systems of library fines have always seemed to be contrary to these values, and I am delighted that we have been able to remove another potential barrier to making use of the wonderful free resources which libraries offer.

“At a time when more people are finding themselves struggling with the rising costs of living, Culture Perth and Kinross hopes that ending fines will remove one of the barriers that may prevent people from using their libraries, making them accessible, inclusive and welcoming to everyone living or working in the region.”

Users will not be allowed to borrow another book until overdue items are returned. And if a borrowed book is lost, they will be expected to pay for a replacement.

Users can renew books in person, over the phone or through their online library account.

The move comes after the Scottish Library and Information Council (Slic), the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library matters, last year suggested removing financial penalties as part of a new five-year strategy.

Slic is pushing the importance of libraries, saying that the health and wellbeing offered by them is estimated to bring a cost saving to NHS Scotland of £3.2 million each year.

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