Those people with an overdue library fine can now walk into any Wollongong city library with their heads held high.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Libraries are no longer charging fines for late books, DVDs or any other item.
But staff still want all borrowed items to be returned on time so as many books as possible are available to all library members.
Acting Lord Mayor David Brown said overdue fines could discourage residents from visiting the library.
"We want everyone to enjoy our libraries and all they have to offer," he said.
"The people who most rely on our libraries are on fixed or low incomes and are not well placed to pay fines. These are the very people we want to see using our libraries. We have removed fines for overdue items so that all library members are comfortable dropping in to their library even if they have a late book or DVD.
"If you have a library item sitting at home and you have been too scared to return it, you can return it now as no fines will apply."
If you have genuinely lost a library item due to circumstances beyond your control, you can talk with our friendly library staff to see how they can help.
Library borrowers with existing overdue fines can also re-start with a clean slate as all existing fines will be deleted from their records.
Wollongong City Libraries offers a broad collection of books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and newspapers, as well as e-books, video streaming and online data bases.
"Everyone is welcome in our libraries as they are about much more than just books. The libraries are also a place for people of all ages and diverse needs and cultures to come together for events, programs and activities and to just hang out," Cr Brown said.
"The removal of library fines is just another way we're working to make our libraries open, inclusive and safe places for everyone."
