Islington residents who have an overdue library book can now return it without fear of being penalized, the local authority has said.

Islington Council has decided to scrap fines for late books and has declared a fines amnesty to encourage users to return very overdue items.

The local authority argues the move with stop those who are struggling with the cost of living from being penalised.

The council also says that fines discourage residents from borrowing books and other resources.

Cllr Roulin Khondoker, executive member for Equalities, Culture and Inclusion, said: ‘Abolishing fines for late returns will help us make Islington a more equal borough by removing a barrier for our least well-off residents – encouraging them to make more use of the amazing facilities we have on offer. This is especially important at the moment as many people are already struggling with the cost of living.

‘Free access to books can provide so much, for education and entertainment, so I am delighted that we can make our libraries more welcoming for people in Islington.’

Users aged between 18 and 60 years old were previously charged fines for books, audio books and music CDs at a rate of 17p per item per day overdue, up to a maximum charge per item of £7.65.

Islington expects abolishing fines will not affect library stock, and may encourage more residents to return overdue items as they will not face large fines.

The total number of fines-free library services in the UK is 72 of 202, according to Public Libraries News. 

Sarah Mears MBE, programme manager at Libraries Connected, said: 'We're always pleased when a library makes the decision to go fines free. The experience of other library services that have done so is that it has made their libraries more accessible, especially to the vulnerable and those on low incomes, and in some cases it has reduced admin costs.

'We do understand, however, that some library services are concerned about loss of income and potential stock circulation problems. Our research suggests that most libraries want to go fines free but are studying the evidence from other services before scrapping them altogether.'