THE CITY OF SYDNEY has abolished library fines after a trial found reminders worked better.

The library sent out an email about the no fine scheme and three times as many overdue books (60,000) were returned in the eight-month trial compared to the 12 months previous, according to The Guardian.

Some of the books were decades old – not that we’re judging.

So in today’s poll we’re asking, do you think fines work?

Poll Results:

No (2003)

Sometimes (1822)

Yes (1044)

If the fine is expensive enough (954)

Yes
No
Sometimes
If the fine is expensive enough

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Poll: Do you think fines work?

Poll Results:

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.