Around £100,000 of library fines in Leeds are being wiped off the slate - and late fees are being abolished for good.
Leeds Libraries says fines are one of the biggest barriers to people being able to use libraries and enjoy the free services they offer.
Fine-free policies have been rolled out in public libraries around the world, from, Chicago to Blackpool, and a Leeds librarian said even small fees can prove a real obstacle.
Leeds chief librarian Andrea Ellisonsaid : "Library fines may have been designed to encourage people to return books on time, but even relatively small sums can be a real barrier, causing many to miss out on free services.
By changing our policy and also making it easier to join, Leeds Libraries will be accessible to more people than ever during the Leeds Year of Reading and beyond."
Leeds Libraries said it was able to write off the outstanding fines, which are 'in the region of £100,000', following a number of back office changes, including a new procurement system.
It said the £100,000 had been recouped without any impact on services or staff.
ID requirements in the city's libraries are also being scrapped.
Proving identity or providing proof of address can be a barrier for many people, the service said, so a more inclusive approach is being adopted.
During National Libraries Week, which began on Monday October 7, all members returning overdue books will benefit from a ‘fines amnesty’, with historic fines written off.
Fines and ID requirements will be abolished on Thursday October 17.
Leeds' most overdue book was late by more than 100 years.
Builder Rusholme Hutton borrowed The Siege of Troy and the Wanderings of Ulysses from Armley Library around 1883. His grandson returned the weighty tome over a century later.
Cllr James Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member for resources, said: "We want everyone living in Leeds to enjoy the benefits of the library service and promote reading for pleasure.
"Our communities have access to an amazing range of Leeds Libraries support. We hope more children will join the library and that anyone studying, looking for a job, starting a business or needing help getting online will find it easier to access our service."
For more information about Leeds Libraries visit leeds.gov.uk/leisure/libraries
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