No More Fines For Children's Books

The Marlborough District Library encourages children to be life-long readers. So it’s not going to charge junior members for overdue books from now on.

District Librarian Glenn Webster says charging fines on children's items can create a barrier to some children using the library.

Both the Blenheim and Picton libraries actively encourage class visits and it can be difficult to explain to a primary student visiting the library with their class that they have a fine to pay and that they need
to get a parent to come in and pay for it.

The fine for children and young adult members of the library has been 10 cents a day and, when fines build up, some parents are reluctant to let their children borrow anything more.

Families are urged to take a responsible approach and teach their children to respect the privilege of library membership but the library doesn’t want a child penalised where the family has failed to return an item on time.

From this month, adult overdue fines will increase from 20 cents to 30 cents a day – the first increase since 1992.

Make sure the library has your email address: the librarians will send you an email reminder three days before an item is due back.