Fines now a thing of the past in Denbighshire’s libraries

Denbighshire’s Library service has announced it is scrapping traditional library book fines – and will launch a drive to encourage more people to visit their local library.

The fines announcement was made to coincide with National Libraries Week 2022 where there is a focus on people using their libraries to continue lifelong learning.

All historic fines have been cancelled and library users who may have books at home that are past their due date can return them to their local library without fear or worry.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Cabinet Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said: “Getting rid of our fines system is definitely the way forward. It’s an old and dated system and is perceived as being a significant barrier to library use. This has an impact on people being able to access free resources and facilities to support their literacy, learning, skills and wellbeing.

“Now that services have returned to normality following Covid, it’s given us a great opportunity to rebuild the physical in-person library offer and encourage people to visit and use their local library and its wide range of services.

“Fines are very much a thing of the past and people can return books without any fear or worry, especially in the current climate around costs of living. Our teams in libraries will be delighted to see more people coming through the doors and accessing the wealth of free information and events available to them”.

Replacement charges will remain for items which are not returned. These are different to fines and are levied when an item is either not returned, lost or damaged by the borrower.

Visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries to find out more about all of the services and activities that Denbighshire Libraries have to offer throughout the year to engage our diverse community. Keep up to date with the latest news and updates, by following @DenbsLibs and Denbighshire Libraries on Facebook and Instagram.

Here is Councillor Emrys Wynne explaining the decision ...