THE Queanbeyan library will abolish all late fines and all current fines will be waived, in a recent decision by Council.
From today (September 1) Queanbyean-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) will no longer charge fines for the late return of books.
The 1840 overdue items – amounting to $5795 in fines accrued between 2019 and 2022 – will also be waived.
The decision comes following a nationwide trend of scrapping late fines for books.
“Research has shown that overdue fines do not ensure items are returned, instead fines disproportionally impact people with low income and can discourage their participation in our library,” QPRC library co-ordinator Pamela McGowan said.
“We want people to keep using the library and returning their items even if they are a little, or a lot, overdue.
“By removing these fines we are supporting our community and improving the likelihood that these late items will be returned and that borrowers will come back to the Library.”
Parts of Sydney, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT are among other Australian localities to completely abolish fines.
Lost items will still incur a fee.
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