Join the hunt for lost library books! Overdue books Amnesty

If library books are hiding under your bed, down the side of the sofa, or in the cupboard under the stairs – now is the time to hunt them out.

Newcastle Libraries are holding an amnesty for overdue books up until 31 May. You can return your overdue books and you’ll not have to pay any existing overdue fines. And you can renew your library membership at the same time – win win!

Whether they are weeks, months, years or like the book that was returned to us last year, decades overdue, don’t be shy – bring them back. There are no charges or fines for returning books during the amnesty – just return them to any of the libraries across Newcastle. You might even have CDs, DVDs or Audiobooks that are late.

Why are we doing this?

Library fines were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic and not everyone has been able to return their books, and others might have just forgotten! We want everybody to be able to use our services without worrying about fines, and to be able to come back time and time again to see what's on offer.

Libraries supported people during the pandemic and we’re doing all we can to help Newcastle’s communities. We hope that by offering a book amnesty and permanently removing fines, people will be confident in returning to libraries and using their brilliant services. All libraries in Newcastle are open and we want to encourage you to come along, enjoy reading without worry, and engage in our social activities.

What do I need to do?

This is an opportunity to return your items, reset your account and start borrowing books again, use PCs or access 1000s of eAudiobooks, eBooks and other online resources from home.

All you need to do is take your items to a library in Newcastle and speak to a member of staff, they will clear and renew your account, all your existing fines will be waived.

If you don't have any overdue items, but fines are stopping you accessing services or borrowing books, just speak to a member of staff - we'll wipe the slate clean!

Did you say NO MORE FINES?

Yes - we did. Late fee charges were suspended at the city’s libraries in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, Newcastle City Council has announced the move will be made permanent. This means that overdue books will no longer accrue fines.

We would like you to either renew your items, or return them on time so that other people can borrow and enjoy them.

How do I manage my account?

Just pop in and see us at a library and we'll sort it out for you or call us on 0191 278 7878

You can also manage your account online so you can see if you:

need to reset your password have any overdue books fines that need to be wiped  need to refresh your membership details check where your nearest library is and when it is open

How do I join Newcastle Libraries?

Just talk to a member of staff at a library to renew your membership or start a new one. You can also join online to enjoy 1000s of eBooks, eMagazines, Digital Newspapers and eAudiobooks from home, for free

What happens next?

Our Amnesty period will run until 31 May. This is the period in which you can ask us to wipe fines off your account and returns books (no questions asked!) This means that if you return items after this date, you will still be liable for historic fines. If you borrow items and they are lost or damaged, you may be liable to pay towards their replacement.

How do I find out what's happening at Newcastle Libraries?

For opening times and general information visit the library website.

For what's on and updates follow our social media at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

To search for books and reserve items look at our new Discover service.

For eBooks, eAudiobooks and emagazines check out Borrowbox or download the Borrowbox app.

For events - have a look at our Eventbrite pages.