This report sets out a proposal to remove a barrier to people accessing the library, by removing fines for late return of books.

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on a proposal to remove library fines for overdue items and other fees.

The report noted that when library services had been made fully digital during the first Covid lockdown in spring 2020 fines had been, by necessity, suspended. Whilst in-person library services had now resumed, the fine suspension had been retained to encourage use and support people returning to the library. Fines previously had been levied per item per day, and in the last full year of charging had raised £22,000. The absence of income from fines had been covered by increased income elsewhere in the library service.

The report explained that the proposal to remove fines for late return of books was intended to remove a barrier to people accessing the library, given that there was evidence that library use was lowest in areas of multiple deprivation.  It would enable more people to benefit from the opportunities arising from library use without any fear of future financial penalties from late return, as well as encourage a return to the service for those who felt they could not use library services as they owed money.  For the same reason it was proposed to remove reservation fees to make all stock freely available to all.

The report stated that the proposal was a part of the Council’s response to the current cost of living crisis and would relieve a financial pressure on residents without impacting on the Council’s budget.  The library service had in recent years concentrated on letting space and the provision of services such as a visa verification service to provide a diversified income base.  These services offered good returns and were complementary to the core provision.  The success of this diversification meant that total income recorded now ran at levels around 150% higher than five years ago, despite a reduction in income from fines and charges.

Resolved –

(1)      That the work undertaken to improve the income position of the Reading library service, increasing the library service’s income to its highest ever level, be noted;

(2)      That the proposal to remove library fines for overdue items and other fees, in line with other local authorities where fines for late return of items on library users had been removed to encourage greater library use, be approved;

(3)      That it be noted that the changes were a measure of support for residents in a time of a cost of living crisis, which had no overall impact on Council financial position, and would also support marketing, developing and increasing use of the service.