For Return Borrowed Books Week 2023, Cumbria Libraries are encouraging residents to return any borrowed library books they have no matter how long they’ve had them.

Cumbria Libraries have been ‘fine free’ for nearly two years meaning anyone returning overdue library books does not receive a fine.

Residents are asked to return items on or before the due date to allow others to borrow the books.

Items can be renewed over the phone, online or in person. 

Cllr Deborah Earl, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services, said: “Libraries are for everyone, and we want to do all we can to get people to use them. Fines were designed to encourage people to return books on time, but they could put some people off borrowing books, especially families on lower incomes.

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“We want to encourage residents to return library books without worrying about late fees. We don’t want anyone to be put off visiting their local library.