Library fines waived during January amnesty

Library users who have overdue books can return them free of charge to any Leicester library from now until 31 January.

Further information

The amnesty on fines applies to all and any Leicester library books – no matter how long you might have had them. Historical charges which may be listed against books you have already returned will also be wiped.

The initiative is part of the council’s anti-poverty work, and is aimed at ensuring everyone has the opportunity to access to free library services in Leicester. It is one of a number of ways in which the city council is working to reduce the impact of poverty, improve lives and help children to reach their full potential.

Cllr Kirk Master, assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, said: “We all know that councils’ resources are stretched, but in Leicester we’re committed to ensuring everyone has the chance to borrow books for free.

“This amnesty means everyone can take full advantage of all the services on offer at our libraries, without having to worry that they owe something. As well as borrowing books and e-books, at our libraries you can use public-access computers, free wifi, borrow audio books and reserve titles to pick up later.

“Money should not be a barrier to the pleasure that reading can bring or the chance to learn new things.

“All you have to do to take part in the amnesty is return any late books to a member of staff at the library and borrow at least one more book. You should also bring one form of identification showing your address, so we can update your library membership.”

Leicester has 16 libraries and a stock of approximately 450,000 books.  It’s free to join the library, and you can borrow up to 12 books for three weeks at a time, from any library across the city.

As well as free access to public computers and wifi at all libraries, there are weekly Toddler Time story sessions for under-fives, plus study support for children of primary school age.

Library members can also search, reserve and renew books online, including e-books, e-audio and e-magazines.

To find out more, call in to your local library or visit www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries