Whanganui District Library goes fines free for all

Published on 01 August 2025

Whanganui District Library has officially said goodbye to overdue fees for good; on every item, for every borrower, forever.

The change was reported to the Whanganui District Council’s Operations and Performance Committee meeting on Thursday 31 July and marks a significant step toward making the library more accessible to everyone in the community. All existing late fees on customer accounts will also be wiped.

Pete Gray, Manager – Libraries and Community, says the move is about more than just eliminating a small fee.

"An overdue fine might not seem like much, but it adds up, and it impacts most heavily on those least able to bear it. It can be the difference between someone using the library or staying away,” he says.

“We want everyone in Whanganui to feel like the library is their place—it belongs to all of us. Research shows that late fees and the fear of incurring a debt, act as a disincentive to library use. This is about breaking down barriers and making sure everyone feels welcome.”

While the library is no longer charging for late returns, it is still important to bring items back so others can enjoy them. Borrowers with long-overdue items may have their accounts temporarily paused, but accounts will be reactivated as soon as items are returned, or replacement costs are arranged.

The decision follows global and national trends in modern library service. Libraries in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond are finding that overdue fines are not effective at encouraging returns and worse, they actively deter people from coming back, especially families, young people, and those already experiencing financial stress.

By removing fines, the Whanganui District Library aims to welcome back borrowers, encourage lifelong learning, and reaffirm the library as a place where everyone belongs. Whether it is borrowing books, using digital collections, learning something new, or simply finding a quiet space to read, Whanganui’s libraries are now more open and inviting than ever.