From the 1st January, 2019, Library Members will not have to pay fines for overdue items and no existing fines will be collected.
There will be no overdue fines charged on any materials taken out from the library by Library Members from the 1st of January 2019. All overdue charges on members' accounts will also be removed.

Kilkenny County Council's Library Service is encouraging members of the public to return undamaged, overdue library items to their local libraries, and we can reactivate your library membership for you to begin using your local library again.

The removal of fines is a key aim of the new public library strategy - Our Public Library 2022: inspiring, connecting and empowering communities which was published jointly by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the County and City Management Association and the Local Government Management Agency and launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring T.D. in June 2018. The strategy states, 'The library is a free lifelong resource that should be available to all without barriers or charges. Library charges have been shown to have a detrimental effect on library use by children and the disadvantaged. However, there is little evidence to show they ensure timely returns - rather they may actually dissuade members and users from returning overdue items.

The elimination of overdue fines is another way for libraries to encourage people who might not regularly use the library to experience what they have to offer.
Members will continue to receive reminders to return overdue items to the library to allow them to be borrowed by other library users or contact a library staff member if there is an issue, to avoid borrowing privileges being disrupted.

Replacement Costs
There will be no replacement charge for children's items which have been lost or damaged. Library members under 18 will not be asked to pay replacement costs. You will be asked to pay a replacement charge if the item which has been lost or damaged is an adult item. This cost will be calculated as the purchase price of the item. Replacement charges can be paid at any library branch, regardless of where the item originated from.

"We are delighted to be announcing the removal of fines, which allows Kilkenny County Council's Library service to be more accessible to everyone across the county" Said County Librarian, Josephine Coyne "There is no better time to join the library, and access millions of books, eBooks, eMagazines and online courses for free".

Membership to Kilkenny County Council's Library Service is free of charge - Just visit our website/facebook page, or any branch to get your membership set up. Branches are located in Callan, Castlecomer, Ferrybank, Graiguenamanagh, John's Quay, Loughboy, Thomastown, and Urlingford. See www.kilkennylibrary.ie for opening hours .