Bookworms afraid to pop into the library because of overdue novels lurking on the shelf at home can now breathe a sigh of relief.
North Tyneside Council is doing away with late fees across all its libraries from December 1, in the hope of encouraging more people to borrow books.
The “amnesty” will also see all historic fines cancelled - meaning anyone with a long overdue book can return it with nothing to pay.
Read more: Hundreds of fans gather at Gateshead Stadium for charity match in memory of Tomasz Oleszak
“Fines have been standard practice in public libraries for more than a century, originally to get people to return books on time,” said councillor Sandra Graham, who oversees libraries at North Tyneside Council.
“Without a fine, it was thought that there would be nothing to stop people returning books late - or never - which would prevent other people from reading them.
“Removing fines will allow us to remove financial barriers to the use of libraries, encouraging greater use, particularly for those who have the least opportunities to access books in other ways, and supporting literacy and learning in our borough.”
Coun Graham said as the council promotes the use of its libraries as spaces for people to keep warm this winter, she wants to give "a little extra help for people during these tough times”.
The reform comes as The Sun recently reported one man returned a book to a library in Coventry after 84 years.
Red Deer, by Richard Jefferies, was taken out from Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library in 1938 - and was returned by the reader’s grandson more than eight decades later, incurring a fine of £18.27.
Read next:
Family release picture as teenager who died in suspected knife attack in Gateshead is named
Growing collection of floral tributes left at scene as Gateshead mourns 14-year-old Tomasz Oleszak
Murder probe launched after 14-year-old boy dies following alleged stabbing in Gateshead
Springwell murder investigation: Updates as police name 14-year-old who died in knife attack
