An end to library fines

Congratulation Christchurch! We salute you.

Christchurch City Libraries has joined a growing number of public libraries around the country and the globe which are taking away fines to encourage library use.

The role of public libraries is to provide access to lifelong learning, literacies and trusted information. Library fines have proven to be a barrier to many people wanting to use their local library, especially if they have accumulated debt.

Shaming people when they can't afford to pay fines on overdue items puts people off returning to the library at all. Evidence shows that eliminating fines means staff are more readily available to help library users and, contrary to popular thought, encourages the return of items by removing “the guilt factor”.

Many libraries including Christchurch have removed fines for children’s books to ensure they keep building their language skills. Eradicating fines on adult books opens up the opportunity for lifelong learning and enjoyment.