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Waterford City and County Librarian has welcomed plans to scrap overdue book fees

Waterford City and County Librarian has welcomed plans to scrap overdue book fees

Library fines for late books could be scrapped as the government considers how to get people to use their local library.

The charges are only around 5c-a-day, but some Ministers are of the view that the fines are 'putting people off'.

It's one of the proposals included in the new National Library Strategy.

More user-friendly hours, extended access to digital resources and more investment in library buildings are also being considered.

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Jane Cantwell is the Waterford City and County Librarian, she says this is "a really positive story for Waterford and for libraries generally". She says "it shows the government has confidence in libraries to provide a free open public space to their communities right across the country." Jane Cantwell says all 12 branches in Waterford have been free to join since 2016 and now it means that if you don't bring your book back in time you won't have to pay a fine on it.

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