Yarra Plenty Regional Library scraps overdue fines to boost literacy

People borrowing books from a string of libraries in Melbourne’s north no longer have to worry about returning their items in time after the chain decided to scrap late fees. And it’s hoped the decision will have a positive impact on loan levels and literacy.

Whittlesea Library reading co-ordinator Coralie Kouvelas believes scrapping overdue fines will make literary resources at Yarra Plenty regional libraries more accessible to the public. Picture: Rob Leeson.

A popular library chain in Melbourne’s north has scrapped overdue fines, claiming the removal of the financial penalty will increase book loans and boost literacy skills.

All books borrowed from all nine Yarra Plenty Regional Library branches across Nillumbik and Whittlesea will no longer attract overdue fines if returned late from July 1.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library now joins City of Port Phillip Libraries, Casey Cardinia Libraries and Bayside City Libraries to scrap the late fees.

The major chain removed all fines from its youth items to “encourage children’s literacy” in August last year.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library chief executive Jane Cowell said children and youth loans exploded since then, including a 57 per cent increase in young adult items borrowed by 12—15 year old members and a 20 per cent increase of teen items borrowed by 15—18 year olds.

“Now the Yarra Plenty Regional Library board has voted to remove fines from the library altogether, in order to encourage more community members to access library books without fear of financial penalty,” Ms Cowell said.

“Library fines undermine one of the core principles of public libraries — the provision of free and universal access to information.

“Fines can have a major impact on low-income families, children and seniors, thereby excluding the very community members who rely on library services the most.”

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Ms Cowell believed patrons would continue to return their books on time, even without the fear of overdue fines.

“Research shows that fines do not incentivise returning books on time, but can instead deter borrowing,” she said.

Public Libraries Victoria president and Casey Cardinia Libraries chief executive Chris Buckingham said the public should expect more libraries across the city to adopt a fine-free approach in the next 12 months.

“There is growing recognition within the sector that overdue fines create a roadblock to lifelong learning, literacy and social inclusion, the very reasons why our libraries exist,” he said.

“Overdue fines are not an effective compliance tool and they discourage the people who can least afford to pay the fines from borrowing.”

Members with current outstanding fines could “wipe the slate clean” by donating to the Yarra Plenty Regional Library’s Food for Fines amnesty.

Library branches will waive all fines for anyone who returns their books and donates to its food drive — the chain partnered with Foodbank Victoria, who will distribute collected items to people in need.

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