The Far North District Council is scrapping its library borrowers' fee from July 1.
The Far North District Council is scrapping its library borrowers' fee from July 1.
A long-standing $15 annual fee to borrow books from Far North public libraries will be scrapped from July 1.
Far North District councillors decided to drop the borrowers' fee during deliberations earlier this month.
At the same May 18 meeting they also voted to hold all other library-related fees atcurrent levels pending a review of library services. That review is due to be completed in September.
District services manager Dean Myburgh said the change would encourage wider use of the Far North's libraries.
"This is a key service provided by local government throughout New Zealand and we're keen to ensure that all Far North residents, irrespective of their income, can not only access good books at our libraries, they should also be encouraged to take those items home with them to enjoy at their leisure," Dr Myburgh said.
Suggested new library fees, such as for non-residents or some best-sellers, would now form part of a review and public consultation process for the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan.
That meant no new library fees could be introduced until the financial year beginning July 2018. Consultations on the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan will start in March next year.
