Library “Fines” and “Charges” Available to Purchase

References in the national and local press in recent weeks to fines and charges imposed by public libraries in various parts of the United Kingdom would seem to indicate that a review of the legal aspect of the subject is opportune. The word “charge” is freely used in connection with fees for the registration of new readers and the reservation of books and the word “fine” as a penalty in cases where books are retained beyond a certain period.