Angus libraries will no longer charge late fees for overdue books after November.
A meeting of the local authority’s communities committee in Forfar rubber-stamped plans to cancel “outdated” charges, with the hope being this would drive people back into reading.
At the meeting, convener Donald Morrison said access to learning conferred by libraries is “fundamental” to child development.
“This has come from librarians and colleagues, as they felt that issuing fines was putting people off and once they are turned off, they don’t come back,” he added.
Councillor David May said he is concerned the waiving of fees would cause some of the more popular titles to be kept out for longer than 28 days, and asked whether the decision would be reviewed.
He said: “It would appear to me we will lose the £18,000 a year and I would presume we’d hope to make this up in book returns. However, it may lead to more late returns and books not being available.”
Mr Morrison confirmed the outcome of November’s changes would go back before the committee.
Describing the move as a “bold step”, communities vice-convener Jeanette Gaul said she hopes more visitors will come in through the doors at libraries.
She said: “I hope it will encourage people of all ages to make the very best use of the excellent resources offered by their local library. That includes our regular customers, those who, for whatever reason, have not browsed our book shelves for quite a while and, of course, those who might be visiting their library for the very first time.
“Our libraries offer an excellent public service that supports and promotes literacy, learning, culture, creativity and overall wellbeing in our communities.”
A month-long library fines amnesty last year indicated that charges can discourage the return of overdue books.
It led to the return of outstanding stock and brought lapsed users, with overdue charges, back to their library.
Some £5,258.50 of overdue charges was waived against 624 borrowers, while 3,172 items with a combined value of £24,424.40 were returned.