Community

Libraries urge customers to return overdue books as fines are scrapped

Peterborough Libraries have launched a mass library book amnesty – library users from school children to adults are being urged to hunt out and return any overdue library books to their local library – there will be no fines and library accounts will be cleared of any debt to allow users to start borrowing again

There are over 22,000 overdue library books out on loan to residents across the city and the library service are keen get the books back. More importantly, they want library members to start accessing library services again. For that reason, from now until mid-November there will be no fines or judgement for overdue books, no matter how long the customer has had them for. If customers bring their books in, their accounts will be cleared giving them a clean slate to start using the library again.

Library Services Manager, Firzana Shaheen, told us:

“Following the pandemic, the number of library users has reduced significantly, this is in part due to people being worried about owing the library service money – we all know how difficult it was during this time and many people will have forgotten they even had books on loan from us. In the current climate, we know how much people are struggling and don’t want to add to that pressure but we do want our customers coming back to see us.

The library service is thriving and has so much going on to benefit local residents. In addition to thousands of books, publications and music to borrow, we have a computer suite and IT facilities, a fantastic historical archive, mobile library service, business services, reading groups for all ages, activities for children and a warm, safe environment for people to sit, browse, meet others and read – we don’t want overdue fines to stand in the way of people accessing all that we have to offer.”

Returning books is completely hassle free, anyone with overdue books can pop into their local library, speak to a member of the team and they will clear your account. Even if you have misplaced books that you had, just let the team know and they will waive any fines so you can get back to enjoying the library.

For full details of the Peterborough Library service, including opening times, visit: peterboroughlibraries.org.uk

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