The Public Service Association is alarmed that the Tauranga City Council is proposing to charge a 50 cent fee to adults borrowing books from its public libraries.
“Public libraries have a proud and long standing history of providing books and other information to the public free of charge,” says Public Service Association national secretary Brenda Pilott.
“We oppose any move that undermines the principle that public libraries and their services are free and accessible to all members of the public.”
“New Zealanders value their public libraries because they’re free and accessible and this is reflected in their high usage.”
“Libraries play an essential role in enhancing literacy and providing information that support our education system and our democracy.”
“Charging a fee to borrow books will restrict access to that literature and information undermining these two key elements of our society,” says Brenda Pilott.
This was shown by the fact the number of books issued by Ashburton's library dropped when a $1 charge was placed on borrowing books less than two years old. This was why Ashburton axed the charge.
“We hope the Tauranga City Council looks at the Ashburton experience and withdraws its proposal to charge adults a fee for borrowing books from Tauranga’s public libraries,”
says Brenda Pilott.
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