Islington Council announces amnesty on library books and unveils plan to scrap fines for late returns

‘Delighted’: Cllr Roulin Khondoker. Photograph: Islington Council

Library fines are to be scrapped for bookworms who forget to return or renew items, the council has announced.

The move is designed to help people with rising living costs and encourage them to enjoy the free services on offer.

The Town Hall has also launched an amnesty for books or other library items languishing in people’s homes.

Roulin Khondoker, the councillor with responsibility for equalities, culture, inclusion, said she wanted to encourage people to use libraries and “the amazing facilities we have on offer”.

Libraries are free to join and people can borrow books, music CDs and DVDs. They also get free access to e-books, e-audiobooks, e-comics, e-magazines, online newspapers, and computers.

Islington’s libraries were among the borough’s designated Warm Spaces over the winter and are well used by working people and students.

“We know how vital our libraries are – they offer free access to books, the internet, events, warm spaces and so much more,” Cllr Khondoker said.

“Abolishing fines for late returns will help us make Islington a more equal borough by removing a barrier for our least well-off residents – encouraging them to make more use of the amazing facilities we have on offer.

“This is especially important at the moment as many people are already struggling with the cost of living.

“Free access to books can provide so much for education and entertainment, so I am delighted that we can make our libraries more welcoming for people in Islington.”

The Labour-run council pledged to keep libraries open as it approved £10.9m in savings and efficiciencies across council services this year, with a further £8m on the cards next year.

Other councils have also taken steps to cut the cost of forgetting to return items.

In February, the City of London held a “no-questions-asked” amnesty for borrowers to “wipe the slate clean”.