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OVERDUE library fines have been written off by Renfrewshire Leisure (RL) in light of the current lockdown restrictions.

Bosses at RL have confirmed they have cancelled all existing fines and will not be applying any further overdue charges during the period libraries remain closed.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of RL, said it is important people aren’t worrying about incurring fines while dealing with other stresses related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

She added: “Lots of our customers will have library books in their homes, which cannot be returned while libraries are closed during the current coronavirus restrictions.

“At this difficult time, we don’t want anyone worrying about fines for overdue library books, so we have taken the decision no charges will be accrued.

“When we are once again able to welcome everyone back into libraries, no-one need be put off from returning by being concerned about fines for overdue books.”

In a recent report, RL chief executive Victoria Hollows confirmed e-book and magazine loans from libraries had rocketed during the lockdown by more than 70 per cent.

And people are being directed to the RL website, where they can delve into a wide selection of free e-books, e-magazines and audiobooks for both adults and children.

Cllr Hughes added: “If people want to read more books now, we have a fantastic selection for all ages available online.

“If people don’t have a library membership yet, we’d encourage them to join online now and see what there is to offer. We’re sure they’ll find something to enjoy.”

Anyone who is interested in downloading any items should visit www.renfrewshirelibraries.co.uk.

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