LIBRARY users who have overdue books can return them for free this month – and can also take part in a customer survey.
Between now and 6 March, anyone who has overdue books can return them free of charge to any Leicester library.
Visitors to Leicester libraries are also being invited to fill in a customer survey, giving their views on the service and facilities on offer.
The amnesty on fines applies to all and any Leicester library books – no matter how long you might have had them. Historical charges which may be listed against books you have already returned will also be wiped for customers visiting the library during this period.
The initiative is part of the council’s anti-poverty work, and is aimed at ensuring everyone has the opportunity to access to free library services in Leicester. It is one of a number of ways in which the city council is working to reduce the impact of poverty, improve lives and help children to reach their full potential.
The customer survey runs until 20 February and asks people to rate library and community centre facilities such as the range of books, information and IT resources on offer. It also gathers information on why people visit the library, and what activities or events they like to see taking place.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell is responsible for the council’s anti-poverty work. She said: “This amnesty means everyone can take full advantage of all the services on offer at our libraries, without having to worry that they owe something, because money should not be a barrier to the pleasure that reading can bring or the chance to learn new things.”
Cllr Kirk Master, assistant city mayor for neighbourhood services, said: “As well as borrowing books and e-books, at our libraries you can use public-access computers, free wifi, borrow audio books and reserve titles to pick up later. We also offer regular storytime sessions for young children, as well as advice and support for jobseekers.
“We know that many people are enjoying being able to use our libraries in person again, but our online services are also continuing to be popular. Our customer survey is a regular initiative which helps us to find out what you think and improve and tailor our services accordingly.”
Previous customer surveys have been used to inform local library stock requirements, update building layouts, develop local activities and services and review computer facilities.
To take part in the amnesty, library members simply need to return any late books to a member of staff and borrow at least one more book. You should also bring one form of identification showing your address, so we can update your library membership.
Leicester has 16 libraries and a stock of approximately 450,000 books. It’s free to join the library, and you can borrow up to 12 books for three weeks at a time, from any library across the city.
Library members can also search, reserve and renew books online, including e-books, e-audio and e-magazines.
Fill in a copy of the survey at your library or community centre, on paper or on one of our computers.
To find out more, call in to your local library or visit www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries
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