Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 27, 2021
Decision a part of Long-Term Plan to serve people
The Central City Library on Lorne Street is the largest Public Library in Auckland (Council Picture)
The Auckland Council has decided to stop charging overdue fines from customers for the books and magazines that they have borrowed from public libraries.
This Reporter believes that Auckland has the best public library system in the world. A member can borrow books and return from any of the 56 libraries within the network. Members can also request books to be brought to the library of their choice. The Mobile App enables members to request, renew and make use of many other services through a smartphone.
The move to remove fines, which will come into effect on September 1, 2021, is expected to improve the reading habit among people. Auckland Councillors decided to remove the fines system as a part of the Long-Term Plan of the Council.
The proposal was approved by the Parks Arts, Community and Events Committee of the Council, chaired by Cathy Casey.
Importance of Libraries
She said that libraries serve an important role in our communities that goes far beyond book lending, providing equitable access to a large number of services.
“Everyone should feel welcome to use these even during this current lockdown. While we cannot visit our libraries at the moment, there is still have so much on offer through services like the eCollections for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of home,” she said.
Ms Casey said that the Council hopes that when libraries reopen after the lockdown level is lowered, they will become a place for personal enjoyment and learning.
“It is at an Auckland Council library that people can access information about Auckland’s heritage, connect with their communities, get involved in lifelong learning opportunities, find something for everyone to read, and be in a safe space to enjoy all the opportunities on offer, regardless of where they live, work or how much money they earn,” she said.
Children’s Section at the Public Library in Davenport, North Shore (Council Picture)
Increasing membership
Auckland Council Principal Advisor for Arts, Culture & Heritage and fines removal project Lead Louise LaHatte agreed, saying that removing overdue fines is in line with overseas trends.
“More than 600 libraries worldwide have removed overdue fines and there is evidence showing an increase in membership. Removing the overdue fines represents the biggest implementation across the Southern Hemisphere and has required a lot of planning,” she said.
Although public libraries are closed during the current lockdown Level 4, Aucklander can access many online using a phone, tablet or computer.
“Our libraries have great eCollections including books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, podcasts, movies and documentaries,” she said.
Ms Casey encouraged people to obtain membership.
“We welcome Aucklanders to sign up for free online membership and learn or explore something new while in lockdown. It is a fantastic way of growing your knowledge or to just enjoy some relaxing time at home,” she said.
Ms LaHatte said that the removal of fines is just the beginning.
“Our libraries serve the community and we are in the process of putting together some ways to welcome Aucklanders back once we are out of lockdown. In the meantime, please retain any library items you may have and get online and try something different.
The Manukau Public Library is also good for Reference and research (Council Picture)
About Auckland Libraries
Auckland Libraries is the public library system for the Auckland Region.
It was created when the seven separate Councils in the Auckland region merged in 2010.
It is currently the largest public library network in the Southern Hemisphere with 56 branches from Wellsford to Waiuku. Before amalgamation, Auckland City Libraries was a network of 17 public libraries and a mobile library operated by Auckland City Council.
In September 1880, Auckland City Council took responsibility for the library of the Auckland Mechanics’ Institute which had come under financial difficulties. The Mechanics’ Institute was formed in 1842 and the items remaining in its library, along with items from the Library of the old Auckland Provincial Council (1853–1876), were included in the collection of the Auckland Free Public Library.
In 1887, George Grey donated about 8000 books, doubling the existing collection, and a new building was erected for the library on the corner of Wellesley and Coburg (now Kitchener) streets. At the time, this building housed the entire collection for the Auckland public library, in addition to the city’s art collection.
Additionally, from its inception in 1916 until it was closed in 1957, The Old Colonists’ Museum was also in this building. This building is now the Auckland Art Gallery.
The building on Lorne Street, opened in 1971 in the Auckland CBD houses the Central City Library.
