Dunedin Public Libraries have removed charges for overdue library items.
This should encourage people to return their late items and to use the library more. Libraries which have already removed overdue charges say borrowing has increased.
We had already stopped overdue charges for customers aged under 18 from 1 July 2020 and have seen more borrowing as a result. Now, from 27 October 2021, there are no longer any charges for adults with overdue items. Debt relating to historical late fees will also be waived. It may take a little time for our system to make this change, but in the meantime our staff will be happy to manually remove the debt for you.
Customers will still have to pay to borrow items such as DVDs and Hot Picks, and for services such as holds. There will continue to be charges for lost or damaged items and replacement library cards.
The library will continue to send pre-alert notifications, overdue notices and accounts.
If customers have items that are more than 25 days overdue, they will be charged for their replacement. The library will continue to refer debt over $50 to a debt collection agency if it is not paid within 60 days.
If a library user has more than $15 in charges on their card, they can’t borrow more items until items are returned and the balance paid.
For more information, see our FAQs.