SINGAPORE – Those with outstanding library fines can have their fees waived by the National Library Board (NLB) under a one-time initiative ending on Dec 31.  

This is the first time the library is offering a waiver of fines, with the aim of encouraging more people to access the library’s services, said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo on Sept 6.

NLB will also offer one free book delivery for patrons till the end of the year, Mrs Teo said, speaking at the library’s 30th-anniversary celebration held at the National Library Singapore in Bugis.

The delivery service, typically worth $8.72, will be complimentary for 300 patrons every week until the end of 2025.

The one-time waiver for fines will apply to those incurred before Sept 6. Currently, those with outstanding fines are unable to borrow items. But with the waiver, they can borrow items again until Dec 31.

To have their fines waived, patrons must borrow either a physical or digital item from NLB by Dec 31. Loan renewals do not count.

For those with overdue library items, fines can also be waived if the items are returned by Sept 14, and one physical or digital item is borrowed by Dec 31.

The free delivery service will be offered to those with no outstanding fines before Sept 6. Patrons can select up to four library items and have them delivered to their doorsteps for free.

There are more than 4,000 delivery slots available each week, and 300 of them are complimentary, on a first come, first served basis. Each patron can redeem the complimentary service once.

These announcements were in line with “the firm belief that everyone should have the opportunity to read, learn and discover”, said Mrs Teo.

“Libraries are enduring symbols of knowledge, culture and progress,” she added, and they have to evolve with changing times.

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