Library fines paused in the New Year

All library fines will be paused from the New Year, so you can borrow items without fear of fines. This will last until Easter 2023, when the policy will be reviewed.

With the cost of living impacting everyone in the borough, the council want to encourage people to use their local library and keep on reading, without any potential barriers in place. It’s all part of the wider drive to keep residents warm and well over the winter period.

The libraries team are still encouraging residents to renew their loans, either online, through the Spydus libraries app or in person at their local library. This helps staff to keep track of the loaned items, and provide accurate information on when they will be available to other residents who may wish to borrow them.

To renew books and other items online, customers can go to their own library account via this link. They will need their ticket/borrower number & PIN. If they are unsure of their PIN, as long as they have an email address associated with their account, they can get a reset PIN email sent, otherwise they can call 0161 217 6009 or email libraries@stockport.gov.uk.

Stockport libraries are already part of the warm spaces programme, which provides a warm welcome and a place to spend time free of charge for any resident who might need it over the winter period. Now, residents are encouraged to become reacquainted with their local library, particularly if you have stayed away for fears of accruing fines.

Councillor Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services at Stockport Council, commented: “Keeping reading is so beneficial: it can help residents improve their literacy skills, boost their mood and just provide some escapism from the cold and dark winter months! The cost of living is at the highest it has been for 40 years, so to be able to pause fines for all residents, particularly when household incomes are so stretched, is a great thing to do.”

“We want to encourage all residents to see their library as the safe, warm and welcoming it is, a place that can be enjoyed by everyone. So come along and visit, or come and get reacquainted with your local library.”

Customers don’t have to go into their library to enjoy great books this winter. Thanks to the Borrowbox service, Stockport residents can access thousands of books from the comfort of their own homes: and all for free.

To sign up for your local library, simply pop in during staffed hours bringing with you a form of ID and proof of address.

Find your local library opening times on the Stockport Council website.