My Account
Libraries throughout the Kaipara district are joining the national trend of ending the imposition of fines on overdue books and DVDs.
Kaipara District Council (KDC) library manager Lisa Salter says the move will encourage people to borrow more books and remove barriers to access for many library users, including low income families.
There are five libraries in the Kaipara District – Dargaville, the only library run by paid staff, and four community libraries at Kaiwaka, Mangawhai, Maungaturoto and Paparoa, which are all run by volunteers.
“We’re so proud to be joining the many, many other libraries across Aotearoa going fines-free,” Salter says.
“We’ve seen research that shows removing fines actually increases library membership, resulting in better literacy. That’s music to a librarian’s ears! Kaipara libraries are for everyone.”
However, she hopes library users will consider the next person next in-line for the book or DVD they are borrowing, and take good care of items.
“There are no more penalties for taking a little longer to bring items back. But if you lose or damage a book you have borrowed or for whatever reason you decide not to return one, you will still need to pay a replacement cost,” she says.
KDC recently adopted a new 10-year library strategy, which includes plans for a new library in
Mangawhai to cope with the expected rapid growth in population (MM, May 23).
Auckland Council removed overdue fines from its libraries in September last year.
