Libraries in the Queenstown Lakes District have introduced a fine-free model.

The removal of overdue fines will help eliminate financial barriers and encourage greater access to library resources, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) district librarian Sue Gwilliam said.

Overdue fines accumulated before July 1 have also been wiped from all member accounts in the district. 

“This is a significant moment for libraries throughout the Queenstown Lakes and a big step towards making these vital community spaces more inclusive and supportive of residents and visitors to the district,” Sue said.

The fine-free model will apply at all of the district’s libraries.

“We’ve previously employed a fine-free policy for children and senior borrower categories.

“...the decision to expand this comes off the back of a successful trial of the policy in 2022 which resulted in an 87 percent increase in children’s membership.”

While the new fine-free policy means items will no longer accrue late fees, Sue said patrons should continue to be mindful of due dates.  

Emails will continue to be sent to remind borrowers to renew or return overdue items to ensure the collections are available to all.  

Items that are damaged or lost will still be subject to fees to help to maintain responsible borrowing while making library resources as accessible as possible to everyone, Sue said. 

“Fines often disproportionately affect those who need our services the most, and we know the majority of our users don’t borrow a book with the intention of keeping it beyond its due date. 

“The new policy will encourage people to come back to the library and inspire new borrowers to join and delight in what our libraries have to offer.”

Find out more about everything on offer at the district’s libraries here.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App