Councillors consider plan to end overdue fines at Bathurst Library

And councillors will be asked on Wednesday night to consider removing overdue fines altogether after other libraries have found they do not encourage compliance among borrowers.

Indeed, the number of overdue items at Bathurst Library between July and December last year, when fines were waived as part of council's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was just 5.9 per cent of all borrowed items compared to 7.2 per cent a year earlier.

"It appears that the removal of overdue fines encourages the return of overdue items, thus indicating overdue fines do not act a deterrent," the report by cultural and community services director Alan Cattermole states.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

Mr Cattermole proposes an alternative model for Bathurst Library that would see the end of overdue fines, with borrowing limits to be introduced instead until overdue items are returned.

The library would still be able to charge borrowers to recover the cost of lost or damaged items.

"It is encouraged that the removal of overdue fines be launched in combination with an amnesty for existing fines," the report states.

"This would enable inactive library members to return to the library.

"An amnesty would allow Bathurst Library the opportunity to reconnect with approximately 1400 historically debarred members."

The report to councillors says removing overdue fines would cost council about $10,000 in lost revenue each year.

"The loss of revenue from overdue fines will be absorbed in the library operating budget," the report states.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: