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2 clusters · 4 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

Devon library overdue fine removal

Overview

Devon library users will no longer be charged late fees for overdue books. Effective October 1, 2026, all existing overdue fines will be wiped to provide borrowers with a fresh start. This decision follows a public consultation involving more than 25,000 participants and is supported by Devon County Council.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity managing the network, previously removed late fees for children and young people in 2022. The new policy extends this to all users, including those in South Hams areas such as Dartmouth, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Stoke Fleming, and Totnes.

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Officer at Libraries Unlimited, stated that the goal is to ‘remove barriers to reading and encourage people who have avoided libraries due to existing debt to return.’

While overdue fines are being abolished, other charges remain. Reservation fees and charges for lost books will continue to apply, and borrowers are encouraged to return or renew items on time.

Entities

Devon · Libraries Unlimited · Alex Kittow · South Hams · Alena Webster

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Libraries Unlimited removes overdue book fines in South Hams

    Libraries Unlimited has scrapped overdue book fines in South Hams facilities to remove barriers to reading and encourage community engagement.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Devon libraries to scrap overdue fines and wipe existing charges

    Devon is scrapping overdue library fines and wiping all existing charges starting October 1, 2026, to remove financial and psychological barriers for borrowers.

Sources

exmouthjournal.co.uk · kingsbridge-today.co.uk · sidmouthherald.co.uk · totnes-today.co.uk