Waitomo District Library staff are celebrating one year of being fine-free for overdue books.

Last year the library joined a nation-wide library movement in removing overdue library fines for books - and it has made a huge difference to membership.

District Librarian Julie O’Toole says the changes reflect what the community have been telling us and it has been well received.

“By removing the fines for overdue books, we’re now in line with many other libraries around the country. It takes away the anxiety for people wanting to use our services,” she says.

“We have seen people return to the library after being absent for some time. It’s so nice to remove that barrier.”

The library also dropped overdue fines for children’s books in 2020 to encourage more children to use the library and recently removed the charge to rent a DVD.

Julie says library services have evolved over time but the ethos remains the same: “we want residents young or old to enjoy reading and the benefits that brings.”

“Whether you’re one or 101, we’ve got something for you at our library. It’s free and so simple to join. Just pop in and chat with one of the Library staff and we can sign you up with a card. Or you can sign up online,” says Julie.

“We’ve got more than 18,000 physical books to choose from, hundreds of eBooks and audiobooks, DVDs and so much more.”