Auckland Libraries has announced that they will wipe all overdue fines and won’t be issuing any in the future.
The new rule will cover anything that you can physically borrow including books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and sheet music.
The new policy starts now, with all fines automatically wiped off. There is no need to visit your library for this to happen.
The change is permanent and part of the new Long Term Plan of the Auckland Library service.
People will still be sent reminder notices once an item is almost due. Then, after a certain amount of time it will be considered a lost item and a replacement charge will go onto the person’s account.
However, once the item is returned, the replacement charge will be removed.
The move is part of a trend that many libraries are taking. Around the world almost 600 libraries have gone fine-free, including every library in Ireland.
There are at least nine New Zealand libraries which are fine-free; Carterton, Ōpōtiki, Upper Hutt, Waimakariri, Selwyn, central Hawke’s Bay, Rangitikei, Masterton, Nelson.
4 Responses
I wish our city libraries did this! I love reading, but sometimes you can’t get a book out because your fines are over $10. Hopefully all libraries around New Zealand do this.
Auckland libraries are making the right decision in my opinion. in the short term it helps with people that have books before lockdown. In the long run the library system will be improved with this.
I wish all of the Wellington city libraries did this too! Actually, all of the libraries. This is awesome 😀
Can someone please explain to me how there won’t be a fine but a replacement fee will still be charged to your account? What is the point of the replacement fee if you never have to actually pay it?