Temporary fines amnesty for overdue library books

Library fines are continuing to be waived until 25 April to allow library members to return overdue items.

Access to reading has been a lifeline for many people during the pandemic and now that things are returning to normal Bury Libraries are asking borrowers to return all those overdue books and library materials so that many more people can enjoy them.

There are currently more than 3,000 items out on loan that have been sitting on people’s shelves over the last year and in some cases longer.

Fines for overdue items were suspended during Covid-19 but all these books and other library materials need to be returned. There is a time-limited fines amnesty until 25 April. From 26 April people will start to be charged fines again.

People are being encouraged to return their books to their local library where possible but can return them to any of Bury’s libraries. People can find their nearest library and opening times at www.bury.gov.uk/findalibrary.

Councillor Richard Gold, cabinet member for communities, said: “Now that things are returning to normal, we would like residents to have a good look through their shelves to find those library books that were borrowed and bring them back to us so that many other people have a chance to enjoy them. There is no need to worry about fines for long overdue books as these will be waived.”

Pre-Covid, fines for overdue books were charged at 20p per item per day, although the over-65s, under-16s and those with a visual or hearing impairment were not charged.

You can keep up to date with all library activities through their social media accounts on Twitter www.twitter.com/burylibrariesand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/burylibraries.

ENDS

Press release issued: 17 March 2022.