Local library users won’t have the book thrown at them for late returns

MICHAEL KEAVENY
Members of Meath's 11 libraries who hand on to books just that little bit to long will have one less thing to worry about in the New Year as overdue fines on late returns are abolished. 
All pre-existing fines on members accounts have also been removed. Meath County Council runs libraries in Ashbourne, Athboy, Duleek, Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Kells, Laytown, Nobber, Nobber, Oldcastle, Rathcairn, Slane and Trim, while the main library and headquarters for Meath County Library is at Railway Street, Navan.

The removal of fines is a key aim of the new public library strategy which was published jointly by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the County and City Management Association and the Local Government Management Agency and launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring T.D. in June 2018.
The strategy states: The library is a free lifelong resource that should be available to all without barriers or charges. Library charges have been shown to have a detrimental effect on library use by children and the disadvantaged. However, there is little evidence to show they ensure timely returns – rather they may actually dissuade members and users from returning overdue items.

Under the new regime, members will continue to receive reminds and email to prompt them to return or renew overdue items.
If items are not returned before a third reminder is issued, then the member's library card will be blocked and they will not be able to take out or renew further items until the issue is resolved.
Speaking of the changes Minister Ring, said: "the elimination of library fines will help remove a significant barrier to library usage."