Overdue library fines are a thing of the past, with Geelong Regional Libraries announcing this month it was scrapping the fines for good.
The library service said it was “joining a world-wide movement of public libraries which have abolished library fines” as a method to get more people using libraries.
“We recognise that library fines are a financial barrier for some people to be able to engage with the library and continue to be active library members,” it said.
“Removing fines removes a barrier to participation, which is good for the community, and good for the library.
“Ultimately, fines are contrary to the core purpose of public libraries – to provide free and universal access to information.”
The library said any existing overdue book fines had been automatically wiped from library members’ accounts and no fines would be accrued going forward.
However to ensure everyone has access to items, borrowed items will still have due dates and instead of fines, people that don’t return items in time could have their borrowing privileges revoked.
Fines will still apply for damaged or lost books.
This week will be the last week of operation for the year for most of the region’s libraries, which will close at 5pm Friday and reopen on Tuesday, January 4.
However some libraries will continue to operate over the Christmas period.
The libraries in Torquay, Ocean Grove, Corio, Bannockburn and Geelong will be open from 9am-5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in between Christmas and New Year.
The Corio, Geelong and Torquay libraries will also be open for their normal hours on Sunday, January 2.
