In the interest of full transparency, let me start by telling you that I am a proud Lake Mac Libraries member. 

The way I see it, I’m the owner of a card that is actually a superpower. 

This thing allows me to reserve, borrow and return in good time, both books and magazines, that would normally add up to hundreds of dollars’ worth by year’s end. 

I can trial best-sellers, author recommendations, new releases, cookbooks, how-to’s, gardening, design inspiration, history and autobiographies all for free.

So, to hear Lake Mac Libraries is abolishing late fees from this month is like hearing I’ve earned a tax refund. 

It’s not that I have clocked up a hefty amount in fees, in fact I think $1.10 is the most I’ve ever forked out. 

And, it’s not about wiping a shameful debt I carry under my name.

It’s not even about no longer needing to avoid eye contact with librarians when sheepishly returning books in the drop box three days past their due date.

It’s about being free from fees.

Let’s be honest, if you’re anything like me, it’s not that you’re trying any underhanded behaviour by keeping a book beyond its return date.

The truth is you’ve either genuinely misplaced it in the pile of books you’re hoping to get through, or it’s so gripping and life’s been so busy, that you haven’t had the opportunity to read it cover to cover and you’re really praying for rain this weekend so all outdoor activities are cancelled and you can have some quality reading time.

Lake Macquarie City Council’s manager arts, culture and tourism Jacqui Hemsley says libraries are increasingly becoming multi-use hubs, and abolishing fees is aimed at encouraging – not deterring – public use. 

“Fines are perceived as a barrier to using library services, particularly for lower-income families who are most in need of them,” she said. 

“The abolition of overdue fees will encourage members to return items, increase uptake of library collections and allow staff members to more effectively promote our services.” 

The removal of late fee charges follows the lead of peak body ALIA – the Australian Library and Information Association. 

Trials showed the cost of collecting overdue fines was greater than the revenue recouped. 

It was also a distraction from the core work of public libraries: ‘lending items, encouraging reading and facilitating free access to information’. 

Existing late fees will be removed from Lake Mac Libraries borrower accounts once all outstanding items have been returned. 

Under the new system, borrowers with overdue items will have their memberships temporarily restricted, rather than a financial penalty imposed, until all items are returned. 

Members will still incur replacement costs for lost or damaged items. 

So, rules are still rules, and you still have to get your books back by the due date, but at least now there’s no fear of alarms going off at self-service, or of security personnel escorting you out of the building as fellow borrowers look down on you in shame.

Okay, that’s a bit extreme (might have read too many crime books of late!)

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