NLB Offers One-Time Waiver of Library Fines Till End-2025

It is also providing free book delivery option, aiming to get more people to use its services

- Gabrielle Chan

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 its services, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo said 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 will apply to fines incurred before Sept 6. Currently, patrons 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 at least one physical or digital item is borrowed by Dec 31.

The Sunday Times asked NLB how many people have outstanding fines, and the total amount of fines that will be waived.