City of Sydney to waive fines for overdue loans

City of Sydney libraries are waiving fines for overdue loans until 30 June 2021 following a successful eight-month trial, reports News.com.au.

Fees will still be charged for lost or damaged library items, and library memberships will be temporarily suspended if items are overdue.

The City of Sydney said the trial found that three times as many books were returned to libraries when the threat of a fine was removed.

Libraries and learning manager Suzanne Buljan said library users who are fined ‘feel they can’t come into the library or they get defensive around the fine’. ‘We’re changing people’s behaviour so they’re not being punished financially and it’s just about bringing the book back,’ said Buljan.

The City of Sydney did not disclose the total cost in back fines that was being written off by the council.

Category: Library news