Manawatū District Libraries removed fines for children
in 2020 and as of 1 July 2023, not just fines, but also hold
fees are no longer charged for all users. Also, all historic
fines are being wiped.
Fines Free Aotearoa is a strong
movement with the goal of removing all fines in libraries
across New Zealand. Removing fines increases the use and
membership of libraries. When a user generates fines, often
they stop coming as they don’t want to face the cost
before being able to borrow again, being fines free creates
a positive atmosphere and allows users some freedom with
their borrowing. Of course if an item is damaged or lost,
this cost still goes to the user.
Having to rely on
revenue generation from fines has always been difficult for
staff. Moving to a Fines…
