Libraries in the city of Portsmouth, England are hoping that ditching late fees will result in their most popular books being returned by those who feared being fined. Many books go missing after being checked out and it is hoped that those who have overdue books will now come forward and return their books. The books most likely to be checked out indefinitely are student textbooks and ‘naughty’ books for adults.
Library manager Lindy Elliot said she’s be “very happy to receive them back into the library service”. It is hoped that doing away with late fines will see an increase in library patrons and that more books will be returned now there’s no chance of being fined. The scheme will cost around £20,000. but it is hoped it will pay for itself in the long run. As the BBC reports, revenue from late fees has fallen from £28,000 to £16,000 over the past seven years and it is hoped that families from less well-off backgrounds will feel more inclined to use their local library.
When asked what books she expects to see returned, Ms Elliot said: “I think we are going to get some really exciting books back and some very old ones. The most popular books which go missing are student textbooks and some naughty books, some slightly sexy. And on a serious note, books on health issues.”
In Portsmouth, fines for late books stand at 18p a day, with a maximum of £9. It is hoped that up to £5,000 will be raised simply by books being returned rather than having to be replaced. Doing away with late fees is an idea that was first introduced by libraries in Manchester and the idea seems to be slowly but surely spreading.
