“Old-fashioned” - library shelving delinquency fines.

Ōpōtiki District Library hits the headlines again!

Last month, we posted a story about Ōpōtiki Library’s courageous campaign to reduce plastic pollution (July 26). Well, it appears that the small town of Ōpōtiki has hit the new again. This time in the USA. Here's a short extract from Illinois News Today.

The Opotiki District Library has joined an ever-growing number of libraries in New Zealand and around the world, shelving the “strange and outdated” concept of fines for late-returned books.

Joe [sic] Hunt, manager of the Opotiki Library, said existing fines have been wiped out and payments for replacement and damaged books will continue to be charged, but no further late fines will be issued.

“Our library is an invaluable part of the community. Our services open the door to learners of all ages for information and expertise. We have digital literacy, a place to do homework, We support where you work and, of course, reading for joy and social connection.

“I don’t want to think for a moment that punitive measures like fines are a barrier to those who access library services.

“For libraries that are not fined at home or abroad, late fees do not motivate people to return books, but be aware that they probably have the opposite effect. Fines for their names It could be fined, “Hunt said.

Full article HERE. https://illinoisnewstoday.com/old-fashioned-library-shelving-delinquency-fines/340987/