End of library late book fines
It's on a unit for self-checkout and return of books, and is to be used when the library rolls out a facility for members to use the facility when there's no staff present.
The machine has a system for taking money and giving change, but that won't be needed any more because Ireland's libraries have abolished fines for late returns.
Fines abolition is part of the Our Public Libraries 2022 programme, which states the the library is a free lifelong resource that should be available to all without barriers or charges.
This follows research that suggested fines have been a barrier, that the disproportionately affect people on lower incomes, and can create a negative association with library use for children.
There's evidence from the library service that removing fines increases usage. It also eliminates a cost involved in collecting fines.
But the library is more than a place to borrow books. "The day I came back after the Christmas break, there were groups of people around talking," says Librarian Julie O'Donoghue. "It's as much another place to meet as anywhere else in Kilcullen."
And that facility to use the library out of hours? "It has been trialled in some libraries around the country and seems to work well. But it'll be a while before we have it working here."
Still, they're ready for it. Library service staff have spent time recently putting RFID cards in each book so they can be used on the new equipment.
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| A recent magic show for children in the library. |
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