Whanganui District Library has scrapped fines for late returns, wiping more than $17,000 debt in a bid to make the library more accessible.
Council libraries manager Pete Gray said ditching overdue fees would break down barriers to library use.
“An overdue fine might not seem like much, but it adds up and it impacts most heavily on those least able to bear it. It can be the difference between someone using the library or staying away,” Gray said.
“We want everyone in Whanganui to feel like the library is their place.”
In a report to the Whanganui District Council’s operations and performance committee on Thursday, Gray said there were 2853 borrowers with debt from overdue items.
Debt on library user accounts from 2018 to 2025 totalled $17,342, and more than 500 memberships had lapsed with fines owing.
“Research shows that late fees and the fear of incurring a debt act as a disincentive to library use,” Gray said.
“There is clear evidence from elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas that overdues are a deterrent to membership and usage of library resources, one that particularly impacts on the poorest.
“It is a barrier for both adults and children. If parents can’t use the library because of fines, they won’t bring their children.
“This is about breaking down barriers and making sure everyone feels welcome.”
Libraries had found that overdue fines were not effective at encouraging returns.
“The notional purpose of overdue charges is not to raise revenue. The rationale has been that they discourage library customers from failing to return books on time. There is no evidence to support this belief.”
Gray said libraries in New Zealand and overseas had found that removing overdue charges made no difference to return rates.
“Removal of charges means that books can be returned without penalty, even when we have invoiced for them. It is after all, the book that is wanted back, not the money.”
Whanganui was one of the last six public libraries in New Zealand that still imposed overdue fines. The others still charging were Grey, Waimate, Marlborough, Wairoa and Hamilton.
While fees for late returns no longer apply, borrowers with long-overdue items would be invoiced for items overdue for 31 days or more and may have their accounts temporarily paused.
Accounts would be reactivated as soon as items were returned or replacement costs paid.
