Outstanding fines amassed by Libraries ACT members will be wiped from the system next month in an effort to bring back users on the black list.
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The ACT government yesterday announced that all outstanding fines for overdue items would be removed from July 1, under the new Libraries ACT loans policy.
But a new penalty system will be put in place for unreliable users.
Under the new system, when an item becomes overdue, members will lose library privileges such as borrowing and the use of internet facilities.
Once an item is 4 weeks overdue, users will be required to pay a $25 administrative fee.
The government said the new policy would reward library members "who do the right thing".
Anyone experiencing financial hardship will be able to negotiate repayment arrangements.
Chief minister Katy Gallagher said fines were the major reason why people stopped using the library.
She wanted to see more people back in the library and has encouraged people with unreturned books to return them to their library.
"In reviewing our loans policy, we have looked at ways to simplify the loans process," Ms Gallagher said.
"People who make the genuine mistake of accidentally not returning items on time will be given a greater opportunity to do so without a financial penalty.
"In designing the new system it is important to strike a balance between providing access to the library and its services, and ensuring that items are returned to the library collection for use by the community."
What's the longest you've had an overdue library book, and what book was it? Leave your comments below.
