By Jessica Anstice
Following a successful twelve-month trial, Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) has announced the permanent removal of all overdue fines.
The decision was made when the trial clearly demonstrated that library members borrowed more items and visited the library more often when the fear of incurring fines was removed.
Incoming CCL board chairperson, Cr Jodie Owen, said the trial proved that punitive fines were not effective as a compliance tool and kept members of the community from using the library resources they needed.
“Our libraries are here for everyone in the Casey Cardinia region to use and enjoy. Overdue fines create a roadblock to lifelong learning, literacy and social inclusion, the very reasons why our libraries exist,” she said.
“Removing fines permanently is the right thing to do, particularly given the increase in usage we have seen over the last twelve months.
“Our core mission is to strengthen our communities; we can only do that if everyone has equal access to all the amazing resources we offer.”
CCL CEO Chris Buckingham said that the decision to remove fines has been welcomed by staff at all levels within the organisation.
“We continue to see the difference it makes when our library members have full and fair access to all of our resources,” he said.
“We have seen firsthand over the last 12 months that most people do the right thing by other library members and return items on time without the threat of overdue fines.
“CCL continues to innovate and examine how we work so that we can deliver even better services. Removing fines is just one example of how CCL is meeting the changing needs of our community.”
Whilst overdue fines have been permanently removed, members who have overdue items will have their borrowing rights restricted until items are returned.
If an item is lost or not returned, the borrower will be billed for the replacement cost.
Alternatively, in the lead up to Christmas, members who have misplaced a borrowed book or owe money to the library can ‘pay it forward’ and support the CCL Forgiving Tree Campaign.
CCL welcome donations of gifts and food that will be passed on to locals who are doing it tough and need a helping hand during the festive season.
You can also return overdue, lost or damaged items at this time – CCL will forgive any charges you have in exchange for donated goods.
Goods and gifts will be distributed through our partner organisations WAYSS, Cranbourne and Casey North CISS, 4Cs, Transit Outreach Service, Hampton Park Community House, Barry Plant Emerald and Emerald Community House.
