Bayside Council libraries have been inundated with overdue books.
The council endorsed the implementation of a library fine amnesty from April 1 until June 30, 2021.
The amnesty allows for outstanding fines to be waived if library members return their overdue items in good condition during the amnesty period.
Council reportedly spends $500,000 every year on library items, and Mayor Joe Awada encouraged residents to return their overdue items so other borrowers could enjoy them.
"I hope all library members look around their homes and bring in all overdue books. A book that is not returned is a book that cannot be borrowed by anyone else," he said
A council spokesperson said the amnesty had been well received by the community.
The amnesty is working better than the council expected," the spokesperson said.
"There have already been 343 items returned.
"It is great to have these items back on the shelf and ready to be loaned out to other members.
"No one is fined or penalised during the amnesty and everyone who has returned an item has been allowed to reborrow."
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Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
