Suffolk Community Libraries has rolled out a fines amnesty to mark the National Year of Reading and tempt lapsed members back to borrowing.
Libraries will be waiving fines or coming to an agreement on a lower payment for people who cannot use their library account due to the accumulation of significant fines.
READ MORE: Born & Read in Suffolk campaign celebrates the joy of reading
The amnesty, which runs until the end of February, strips back the barriers that often stop people walking through the door.
Staff hope the offer prompts returns of overdue books gathering dust at home and restores access to accounts frozen because of old charges.
The offer covers several groups:
- Charges between £5 and £14 fall to a flat £5
- Anyone with fees under £5 and an inactive account gets a clean slate
- Long‑overdue books in good condition can be returned with charges cleared. Lost items will be discussed with a library manager
- Replacement cards are free through January and February
- The amnesty applies to adult books (children’s overdue fees ended in 2019)
Krystal Vittles, head of library service, said: “We wanted to kick off our Year of Reading by making it easier for more people to visit and use their local library. Overdue charges encourage people to bring books back in time, but we know there can be many reasons for someone accumulating fines.
"We want to welcome these people back and make it even easier for everyone across Suffolk to have free and easy access to the many thousands of books we have to offer.”
Alongside the amnesty, branches are spotlighting the wellbeing benefits of regular reading, with themed collections already on display.
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Along with the amnesty, the collections are designed to spark new reading habits, rebuild confidence in borrowing and bring back residents who drifted away during recent years.
Nadia Cenci, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “It’s so important to encourage regular reading. There is much evidence that it can make a real difference to a child’s education and success later in life if we get them reading and enjoying books from an early age, and reading is of real benefit to the wellbeing of adults too.
"I’m really excited about the Year of Reading and hope everyone in Suffolk will get behind it.”
For more information, visit suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk/amnesty
This article is part of Born & Read in Suffolk – a year-long initiative delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, sponsored by Sizewell C and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club highlighting the importance of reading and writing. Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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