To celebrate Libraries Week, libraries in the city are offering a one-off chance to clear fines on items returned to the library to encourage people to start using the library again.
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The amnesty will run from Monday October 8 to Saturday October 20, 2018.
This from the council in their own words:
It doesn’t matter how long books have been on loan for - even if they were borrowed many years ago or are in poor condition. They can be returned during the amnesty and fines will be cleared and library memberships will be re-activated.
Library staff can also assist if people have outstanding fines that need to be cleared.
To take advantage of this one off opportunity, don’t delay, you will only have two weeks in which to return your items to your local library.
Cllr Satvir Kaur said “We understand that some people are delaying returning to their local library because they are worried about having to pay outstanding fines. This is a great opportunity to clear fines and welcome them back to the library, so they can enjoy everything that it has to offer.”
During the amnesty, Southampton libraries will be supporting two charities: Basic Bank and the Red Box Project. Basic Bank gives free food and clothing to people in need in Southampton and the Red Box Project gives away free sanitary items to young women in local schools. When you return your books or have fines cleared, you are welcome to leave a donation in the collection boxes provided.
Top Tips for avoiding fines
- Check your library account regularly
- Sign up for ‘courtesy notice’ emails to remind you that your books are due back
- Sign up for email notifications to say your books are overdue
- When borrowing a book always print a receipt which tells you when your books are due for return and make a note of the date
Remember you can renew your books online via the library website using your library card and PIN, phone us on 023 8083 3007, or in person at any library.
For more information about the fine amnesty visit http://www.southampton.gov.uk/libraries/ or speak to a member of staff at local library who will be happy to help.
Please note hire charges for DVDs, Music CDs and Spoken Word CDs are not included in the amnesty.