Following the removal of overdue fines at Rotorua Library, Te Aka Mauri, on the 1 July this year, more than 540 people have become members of the Library in July and August.
This 42% increase from the previous two months is made up mainly of adult members, but also includes increases in the child, teen and senior age groups.
The increase in memberships can be attributed to both the removal of overdue fines, and the competition run by the library to win SIX60 tickets. People that signed up for full memberships in July and August 2022 went in the draw to win tickets to the concert here in Rotorua on 12 November 2022.
Rotorua Library Director, Laura Marshall, completed the prize winning draw and was happy to let Nadia Hodge know they had won the grand prize.
Nadia was delighted to hear she had won tickets to see SIX60 here in Rotorua.
“I have lived in Rotorua all my life and was a library member when I was younger. I re-joined to be able to get books and toys out for my four year old son”, says Mrs Hodge.
As well as an increase in memberships over this period the library team have welcomed increased numbers of visitors through the door.
“The promotion of the fines free change and competition has really reminded our community that the library is here. People are no longer scared of fines and the added awareness has led to more people coming in to explore all the library has to offer”, explains Laura Marshall.
Prior to 1 July 2022, the fines created a barrier for those who most needed the types of services offered by libraries. Rotorua Library has followed the lead of many national and international libraries to remove the fines and expects further increases in membership and participation in accessing resources and attending events hosted by the library.
Rotorua Library membership gives you access to an extensive range of books, videos, magazines and newspapers at Te Aka Mauri, as well a digital membership with huge collection of online newspapers, more than 20,000 ebooks and over 2,400 eAudiobooks.