Proposals by Tauranga District Council to impose charges for library books have been criticised by library managers and the Public Service Association (PSA).
All New Zealanders have the right to equality of access to knowledge irrelevant of their financial circumstances, the Association of Public Library Managers (APLM) said today.
It believed that Tauranga District Council's proposal to add a 50c charge to adult book loans would affect those on low incomes, and result in a decrease in the use of library facilities.
A paper outlining proposed revenue increases for libraries was presented to the council in December as part of the annual plan budgeting process.
The report outlined how the libraries could reach the required target by doubling their revenue over a five year period.
Councillors voted to go out for public consultation on charging 50c for all adult loans - those not already subject to charges - for the next three years, rising to 80c after that.
PSA national secretary Brenda Pilott said public libraries had a proud and long-standing history of providing books and other information to the public free of charge.
"We oppose any move that undermines the principle that public libraries and their services are free and accessible to all members of the public," she said.
APLM chairwoman Leslie Clague said public libraries were committed to supporting lifelong learning and literacy and the association's stance was that charging for books would contribute to a decline in literacy.
Mrs Clague said free book borrowing from public libraries was protected by legislation in most English speaking countries, but not in New Zealand. One of her association's aims was to gain national legislation to protect free access to information in public libraries.
She called on the Government to intervene.
Ms Pilott said New Zealanders valued their public libraries because they were free and accessible and this was reflected in their high usage.
When Ashburton imposed a $1 charge the number of books issued by the library dropped, and the charge was axed, she said.
"We hope the Tauranga City Council looks at the Ashburton experience and withdraws its proposal to charge adults a fee for borrowing books from Tauranga's public libraries," Ms Pilott said.
