The City of Wanneroo has made a decisive move to welcome its community back to the books, officially wiping the slate clean on more than $740,000 in historical library fines and fees. This significant debt forgiveness initiative aims to remove barriers and foster a new chapter of inclusive, fee-free library access across the northern Perth suburbs.
A Clean Slate for Thousands of Library Members
In a council decision ratified last week, all outstanding library debts accrued since June 2000 have been permanently cleared. The write-off encompasses charges for lost or damaged items, as well as administrative fees. This action directly benefits 13,521 library members who collectively owed the substantial sum, with the average individual debt sitting around $55.
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken is enthusiastically inviting residents to rediscover their local libraries without the shadow of old penalties. "You can walk through our doors with a clean slate and a spring in your step," Ms Aitken said. She encouraged people to dust off their library cards and revisit the facilities in Wanneroo, Clarkson, Girrawheen, Two Rocks, and the soon-to-open new branch.
Financial Pragmatism Meets Community Inclusion
The council's decision was driven by both financial practicality and a core mission of inclusivity. City officers advised that pursuing the decades-old debts, much of which was considered unlikely to ever be recovered, was not financially viable. The forgiven total of $742,184 breaks down to $584,402 for lost and damaged items and $157,782 in administration fees charged since 2012.
This move aligns Wanneroo with other forward-thinking Perth councils like the Town of Cambridge and the City of Stirling, which undertook similar fine amnesties in 2022. The city is now trialling the complete abolition of library fees, positioning its libraries as welcoming community hubs focused on access rather than penalty.
New Library Opens as Symbol of Fresh Start
The timing of the debt clearance coincides perfectly with the opening of the city's newest and highly anticipated facility, Dordaak Kepup in Landsdale. The $17.6 million library and youth hub, which received $6 million in funding from the State Government, is set to open its doors with a community open day on Sunday, December 7.
Mayor Aitken emphasised that libraries are vital gateways to knowledge and trusted community resources. "In today’s economic climate, we want to ensure no one is excluded because of old fees," she stated. "This is about creating a safe, inclusive environment that focuses on leisure reading, learning and community programs for everyone." With the barriers of historical debt removed, the City of Wanneroo hopes to see a renewed surge in library membership and engagement, supporting literacy and lifelong learning for all ages.
