Late fees scrapped for library users
Gateshead Libraries customers no longer have to pay when returning overdue books.
Library fines were suspended at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and have not been reintroduced since. It has now been confirmed that late fees will be removed permanently and previous unpaid fines will be waived.
In doing so, the council hopes to encourage more people to use the libraries. Membership provides free access to a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction books for all ages, including popular best selling titles and brand new releases. You can browse the shelves to find your next read or access thousands of e-books, e-audio books, magazines and newspapers from your own device.
As well as book borrowing, there are many other services on offer. The libraries provide free computer use and internet access, a wealth of local history resources, reading groups, creative workshops and other activities and events for people of all ages. They are safe, supportive and warm places for people to come together, providing valuable social connections to support Gateshead residents' wellbeing.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said: "We know that the fear of incurring fines can be a barrier to people joining and retaining their library membership and for many residents, the possibility of financial penalties will be a bigger concern than ever at a time when people are struggling to afford the basics. However, the stress and anxiety caused by the cost of living crisis also makes now a time when the escapism of a good book is even more valuable."
The wellbeing benefits of reading are well documented, with the Reading Agency (opens new window) recently reporting that adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. To foster a lifelong love of reading from a young age, the libraries offer lots of fun, free activities for children, including free weekly Storytime and Rhymetime sessions.
Councillor Douglas continued: "It's free to join the library and everyone's welcome, so I'd encourage all of our residents to check out their local library. If you have any overdue books, please bring them along with no need to worry about paying."
Customers will continue to receive reminders when books are due for return and there are multiple options for renewals, including online. eBooks and eAudio materials are automatically removed from customers' devices at the end of their loan period, or they can be returned early by the customer.
A charge for replacing lost or damaged books is still in place.
Gateshead Libraries customers no longer have to pay when returning overdue books.
Library fines were suspended at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and have not been reintroduced since. It has now been confirmed that late fees will be removed permanently and previous unpaid fines will be waived.
In doing so, the council hopes to encourage more people to use the libraries. Membership provides free access to a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction books for all ages, including popular best selling titles and brand new releases. You can browse the shelves to find your next read or access thousands of e-books, e-audio books, magazines and newspapers from your own device.
As well as book borrowing, there are many other services on offer. The libraries provide free computer use and internet access, a wealth of local history resources, reading groups, creative workshops and other activities and events for people of all ages. They are safe, supportive and warm places for people to come together, providing valuable social connections to support Gateshead residents' wellbeing.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said: "We know that the fear of incurring fines can be a barrier to people joining and retaining their library membership and for many residents, the possibility of financial penalties will be a bigger concern than ever at a time when people are struggling to afford the basics. However, the stress and anxiety caused by the cost of living crisis also makes now a time when the escapism of a good book is even more valuable."
The wellbeing benefits of reading are well documented, with the Reading Agency (opens new window) recently reporting that adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. To foster a lifelong love of reading from a young age, the libraries offer lots of fun, free activities for children, including free weekly Storytime and Rhymetime sessions.
Councillor Douglas continued: "It's free to join the library and everyone's welcome, so I'd encourage all of our residents to check out their local library. If you have any overdue books, please bring them along with no need to worry about paying."
Customers will continue to receive reminders when books are due for return and there are multiple options for renewals, including online. eBooks and eAudio materials are automatically removed from customers' devices at the end of their loan period, or they can be returned early by the customer.
A charge for replacing lost or damaged books is still in place.
