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Changes to library fines and reservations fees

Author: Nick Griffin

Published:

From the beginning of December Barnet Council is introducing changes to some of Barnet’s library fines for overdue items and reservations fees.

The changes mean that a new fine for child and teen library items will be introduced at 5p per item, per day. For adult books the fines will rise by 5p from 20p to 25p per item, per day.

To make it easier for residents to reserve items already held in stock by Barnet’s libraries, the current £1 charge is being removed. From 1 December this reservation service will be free to use.

Residents are able to renew books and other items they have on loan in a variety of ways including online, by phone and in person.

Councillor Reuben Thompstone, Chairman of the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee, said: “Last year we spent more than £400,000 on new books, CDs and DVDs, and library fines act as a deterrent against their late return, ultimately helping to make sure that our library catalogue is available to as many people as possible.

“There are a number of ways for people to renew books they have on loan, including online, by phone and in person in our libraries.

“In addition to these changes we are making it easier for people to reserve an item already held in stock by our libraries by removing the current £1 charge.”