As reported by The Spinoff in December, libraries around New Zealand and the rest of the world have been getting rid of late fees. Now Auckland Council is reviewing public feedback on whether it should do the same. 

Auckland's libraries are currently owed just over $2 million in late fees, with $1,693.00 the highest amount owed by one customer.

The fees provide a handy revenue stream, with the council collecting $1.2 million in the 2018/19 financial year (it dropped to $876,000 last year due to Covid-19). Despite this, the proposal looks set to be given the green light by councillors, who tended to agree that this was a good case for putting community needs ahead of the financial bottom-line.

When libraries have abolished fees overseas, they have seen a dramatic increase in memberships and the hope is for a similar impact here. 

Mahurangi East and Warkworth Libraries host a huge number of activities, events and learning experiences for the community, with Shave for a Cure events, children's story times and art activities, nia dance days and educational talks being held over March alone. Many of these events are free, so they provide a great opportunity to go and try something new while supporting all the hard work the local librarians put into organising them.

This Saturday, 27 March, at Mahurangi East Library, librarian Andrew is hosting a talk in which he will discuss a selection of the world’s finest art galleries and museums. Relive some of your favourite OE experiences. Tea, coffee and bickies will be served by the The Mahurangi East Friends of the Library group. You might like to throw a $2.00 coin in your pouch to subscribe to the vibrant community group of library friends and advocates. Nau mai haere mai! All welcome!