Fees for overdue library books ‘could be scrapped’

Government considering move as part of strategy to encourage greater use of libraries

Fees for the late return of library books could be scrapped under new plans being considered by the Government.
Fees for the late return of library books could be scrapped under new plans being considered by the Government.

Fees for the late return of library books could be scrapped under new plans being considered by the Government.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring is to launch a new strategy to promote and encourage greater use of libraries.

The plan was discussed by the Cabinet on Wednesday but will not be formally launched for a number of weeks.

A Government spokesman said it will examine a number of measures, such as the abolition of fees for the late return of books. The usual charge levied for books that are overdue is 5 cent per day.

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Other measures that will be considered include extending the opening hours of libraries.

Examining how libraries can make use of ebooks - through devices such as Kindles - may also form part of the strategy, according to the spokesman.

Mr Ring previously announced €5 million to upgrade and modernise the library service, an investment which was intended to pave the way for the new strategy.