Life happens, fines don’t

Why was the decision made to remove library fines?

Libraries are a place that offer equitable access to everyone in our community. Late or overdue fines have created barriers that discourage people who cannot pay their fines from using the library. In eliminating fines, the library encourages all users to come back to the library, as well as attract new users to experience our resources, services, programmes and offerings.

What is a fine?

Fines were charged for extended loan charges (late or overdue materials - previously at $0.50 per day, per item). This fine will no longer be charged.

Will the Library still charge fees?

Yes. Fees are different than fines.

The library will continue to charge fees for services such as Rental Collections, photocopies, printing, and for all lost items. The library will also continue to charge a replacement fee for damaged items. You can find more information about fees on our Prices page.

So can I just keep items as long as I like?

No you can’t, that wouldn’t be fair to others in the community. The Library still requires all materials be returned so that they can be shared with other library members and you could incur a fee for lost materials. We’ll still send you a reminder if items are overdue.

An item is automatically declared lost by the Library Management System if it is severely overdue and at that time a replacement charge and processing fee will be placed on the borrower’s account.

If there are no overdue fines, won’t this make my wait time longer for books?

Many library systems that have gone fine free report few negative effects on the rate of material returns. Other libraries have experienced an increase in returns after the adoption of fine free policies. When customers have late fines, they are less likely to visit the library again. The public library model depends on trusting relationships between customers and valued community resources. As always, the Library will monitor wait times and holds-to-copy ratios and make adjustments, as necessary.

You say you don't mind paying your overdue fines?

If you would like to pay your late fines, even though you do not have to, you can support our service by making an unrestricted donation to the Hastings District Libraries 03 0642 0281000 017