Amnesty for return of kids' library books

Bookworms have been asked to search for overdue library books after Tameside Council launched the Big Friendly Book Return.

The scheme, which runs until the end of February, aims to restock child-friendly books in the borough’s libraries. 

“If you have any overdue or damaged Tameside Library Children's books, drop them in the special Big Friendly Book Return box at your local library or at the counter, we will clear the account and you can start borrowing again,” said a spokesperson for TMBC. 

“[It] doesn't matter how long you've had them or what condition they are in, we want them back. And you'll get a fresh start for 2025!” 

The council revealed to the Reporter that almost 20,000 books are overdue for return, with this being the first amnesty for at least a decade. 

Although under-18s aren’t charged for the late return of library books, fines for adults totalled £6,655 in the 2023/24 financial year. 

“It’s always free to join the library and to borrow books, and our aim with the Big Friendly Book Return is to get children back into the library, borrowing and reading all the wonderful books they can,” the spokesperson continued. 

“Research shows that ‘reading for pleasure is more important for children’s cognitive development than their parents’ level of education and is a more powerful factor in life achievement than socio-economic background.’ 

TMBC has a library app where users can keep track of the book they have out on loan, which will also remind them when an item is due for return or renewal. 

Members also have free access to Borrowbox, an online service for eBooks, eAudiobooks and eNewspapers, where everything is automatically returned after the borrowing period.