GRLC ditches overdue fines going forward

SAY goodbye to overdue library fines forever now the Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation has abolished its overdue fines system.

This announcement comes after a wave of public libraries across the globe have dropped the overdue fines system in a bid to get old customers back through the doors.

All existing overdue fines were officially wiped from the GRLC system on December 11 and fines will no longer accrue going forward.

Chair of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation board, Cr Ron Nelson said that library fines can be a financial barrier for some and are contrary to the core purpose of public 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. Removing fines removes a barrier to participation – which is good for the community, and good for the library,” Cr Nelson said.

“Ultimately, fines are contrary to the core purpose of public libraries – to provide free and universal access to information.”
The experience of other library services shows the removal of fines leads to less overdue items – when fines are removed, loans go up and returns increase.

“We’re joining a worldwide movement of public libraries abolishing overdue fines – other public libraries who have removed fines have reported increases in loans, membership and engagement,” Geelong Regional Library Corporation CEO Vanessa Schernickau said.

“Our libraries are for everyone – we hope that by removing fines we will welcome back some former members, as well as seeing some new faces.

“If you have been avoiding the library because of some old fines on your account, there’s truly never been a better time to return to the library.”

GRLC has not always enforced fines to its members, having not charged children and youth items since 2010.

Due dates still apply for borrowed items, given that privileges may be revoked when items become overdue.

Returning books on time will also assist in ensuring that all members have access to popular items. So, library members are encouraged to return collection items by the due date.

Fees will still apply for damaged or lost books.

GRLC is trying to ensure library members have plenty of time to get through their reading list this summer. To facilitate this all items borrowed from Thursday, December 9 onwards will have a due date of no earlier than Monday, January 31, 2022.

For more information you can head towww.grlc.vic.gov.au.