From Friday 1 July 2022 Tasman District Libraries is going fines free. This means we will no longer be charging overdue fines for books, magazines and DVDs returned after their due date. We’ll also be cancelling any current overdue fines.
Public Libraries New Zealand reports that 75% of New Zealand libraries are fines free for children and teens and 15% are fines free for adults. We are joining many other New Zealand library services in removing our overdue fines. Among those that have already removed overdue fines are Auckland Libraries, Central Hawkes Bay District Libraries, Rangitikei District Council Libraries, Masterton District Library, Upper Hutt Libraries, Selwyn District Libraries, Nelson Public Libraries, Waimakariri Libraries, Timaru District Libraries and ?potiki Libraries.
Why are we getting rid of overdue fines? The main reason is that library fines particularly affect those who cannot afford to pay and then those people stop using the library. We’re hoping that by removing fines, we’re removing a barrier to using our libraries.
We’re looking forward to welcoming back to Tasman District Libraries anyone who has been prevented from using the library by overdue fines, or the fear of accumulating them.
All existing overdue fines will be written off but we will retain the lost and damaged books charges. However we don’t want lost books to be a barrier either. If you have received an account for a lost item, you can return the item (just pop it through one of our after hours slots) and the charges will be cleared from your card.
Related Links:
- How Can Libraries Be a Path Towards Inclusivity and Forgiveneness? TED Talk by Dawn Wacek
- An Overdue Idea: The Spinoff article about the efficacy of overdue fines
