"Abolish library fines in Sheffield"

This letter sent to the Star was written by Matthew Smith, Hillsborough, S6
Abolish library finesAbolish library fines
Abolish library fines

In response to the letter Jacqueline Hughes letter “Someone has to act as caretakers of our precious libraries”, I agree with Jacqueline on the importance of libraries.

I have recently observed that a number of library services including many who have been hit by austerity cuts such as neighbouring Barnsley have abolished library fines in an attempt to boost library use.

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A study in Bolton concluded where a similar scheme was implemented showed that abolishing library fines actually cut the number of books returned late or not at all and boosted use of libraries.

This highly commendable attempt to get more people using libraries would benefit some of the people worst hit by austerity in Sheffield.

Sheffield Libraries should implement it here.

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