By Dan Satherley
Library borrowing charges will become a thing of the past if a bill set to be debated in Parliament becomes law.
The Local Government (Public Libraries) Amendment Bill has its first reading next month, and Labour MP Darien Fenton says it's a "fundamental principle" that libraries should be free to use.
"The whole point of a library is to be able to provide information and learning for local people, and particularly those who don't have the advantage of having computers at home or access to books," says Ms Fenton.
At the moment, the law only prevents councils from charging people to join their local library – there is nothing to stop charging for access to books, DVDs or the internet.
In Rotorua for example, it's free to join the library if you live in the area, but borrowing 50 Shades of Grey could cost you anywhere between $1 and $5, depending on whether it's "adult popular fiction", a "latest release" or a "hot pick".
As a best-seller, in Hamilton the international bestseller would set you back $6. The Rotorua library even charges its members $1 for 10 minutes using the internet on a PC.
Ms Fenton says the money raised from charging members to borrow items is "insignificant" in terms of their running costs, and that "libraries shouldn’t be used to raise council revenue".
"They're going to have to consider this, and I'm looking forward to hearing from them," she says.
"We can't assume that every home has got access [to information], and in fact we know they haven't… The fundamental principle is that we need libraries as community hubs and access to information and learning, particularly for poor communities and people who are information poor."
The Library and Information Association of NZ has called on MPs to support the bill.
"With so much of our Government information and access to services only available online, how is everybody going to have access to all the information they need to be an active participating citizen in our democracy?" asks president Heather Lamond.
"Many of us can afford to buy what we want to read… but there are a lot of New Zealanders who can’t afford to buy anything to read – so they stop reading."
Earlier this month The Waikato Times reported Hamilton City Libraries would have a shortfall of $93,000 if it couldn't charge for items like CDs and DVDs. Ms Fenton acknowledges the bill might need to make exceptions for certain items if it is to progress.
"I expect that to be subject to quite a lot of discussion at the select committee, if it gets that far," she says. "It's a really good debate for Parliament to have."
The bill will also require the National Librarian to monitor local libraries' adherence to the law, and complete an annual report to Parliament.
It is due to have its first reading on October 17.
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source: newshub archive
