Old Town Library has announced that it will be trialling a new policy of abolishing library fines for children under 10 for a year, becoming the first library in Swindon to do so.
Currently, only children aged 0-4 are exempt from overdue fines.
The decision to implement the policy was driven by the fact that some families visit the library but don’t take books home to share, meaning children are missing out on reading for pleasure with their families at home. Lack of access to books and reading has been shown to hold children back from succeeding at school.
The idea was presented to South Swindon Parish Councillors at a council meeting by the Parish Council’s Libraries Manager, Deborah Lamb, where it received unanimous support. The new policy will be in place for a year and will be monitored to assess whether book loans increase as a result of this trial. During the Summer Reading Challenge, all libraries have a children’s fines amnesty for children who participate. However, a child’s library card can become blocked at any time if there is a large unpaid fine or long overdue book outstanding.
Old Town Library is excited to be the first in Swindon to introduce this policy and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on children and families in the community.
Deborah Lamb, South Swindon Parish Libraries Manager: “I am delighted that Parish Councillors have voted to remove fines on Old Town Library books for children aged 10 and under. Families tell me they are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, and while they like to use the library the fear of overdue fines is a barrier to them letting their children borrow. These are the very families who need the library the most. Children deserve to have free access to books – bedtime stories are a necessity not a luxury!”
