â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Library late fees gone for good

Overdue fees on library materials are no more.

After temporarily suspending late fees as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prince George Public Library has opted to do away with them entirely.

“For some people, overdue fees are simply a nuisance,” says library spokesperson Amy Dhanjal. “We even have some patrons who don’t mind paying them because they like supporting the library in that way.”

“For others, it can be that barrier that prevents people from coming in to borrow things. We don’t want people to feel like they have an insurmountable barrier that stops them from ever coming into the library again.”

The announcement is not exclusive to Prince George; other libraries across Canada and the United States have chosen to waive late fees as well.

“It’s not uncommon for libraries to do this, we’ve been working towards this for a few years as well,” she said.

Dhanjal says the library’s 2021 budget included a projected reduction of $72,850 in internally generated revenue compared to 2020.

Internally generated revenue consists mainly of overdue fees, she adds, and it has been declining over the past five years, taking a $50,000 hit in last year alone.

Library staff and Board Chair Mike Gagel have championed the removal of late fees for some time.

However, the move came earlier than anticipated with temporary closures of library branches in March 2020.

“This is a significant service enhancement for residents and eliminates barriers for those for whom fees pose financial hardship,” said Library Director, Paul Burry.

Regular loan periods, adjusted last year when the library closed, have been reinstated.

Patrons who have fees on their accounts are encouraged to contact library branches to discuss their accounts, as fees may still be applied to patron accounts to replace lost or damaged items.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Catherine Garrett
Catherine Garrett
Catherine is an anchor and reporter in the MyPGNow newsroom. Born in Ontario, raised on Haida Gwaii, she now is living in Prince George. She obtained a diploma in Broadcast and Online Journalism at BCIT. You can find her on Twitter @Cath_Garrett

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

<p>

- Advertisement -
</p>

Latest News

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

Single Rollover in Quesnel Claims Life of One Man

RCMP found a 61-year-old man unconscious in the driver’s seat of the SUV. Police and paramedics on the scene attempted life-saving measures, but the man tragically succumbed to his injuries, and police were unable to resuscitate him.

Area restriction around Pocket Knife Creek fire rescinded

The BC Wildfire Service is rescinding the area restriction order surrounding the Pocket Knife Creek Wildfire. This will take effect tomorrow (Saturday) at noon. The area restriction was originally put in place on May 31st.

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

WestJet service between Prince George and Edmonton begins Saturday

WestJet's newest route in Prince George will be making...
- Advertisement -