Return library materials on time so that others can enjoy them

We thank Mrs Sheeba John ("Library fines cost more than book"; Forum Online, last Saturday), Mr Roy Wang Jing Jie ("Fine for overdue library books is fair"; Forum Online, Tuesday) and Charmaine Wong Yu Xin ("Fines a reminder to return books on time"; Wednesday) for their feedback and views on the penalty for the late return of library books.

Our library patrons who wish to enjoy their borrowed books or music scores beyond the loan period can enjoy a one-time loan renewal of another 21 days at no charge.

In addition, the National Library Board (NLB) has an e-mail reminder service to alert library members to return their borrowed library materials on time. Patrons may renew their loan and sign up for the e-mail reminder service using the e-Kiosk at all libraries, or by accessing their myLibrary account online at www.nlb.gov.sg, or on the NLB mobile app.

We also offer a wide range of e-resources, including over four million e-books which library members can access for free using their electronic devices such as tablets, cellphones or computers.

The e-books are returned automatically after the 21-day loan period, and users need not worry about overdue items and fines.

Users can visit http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/eReads/Help for more information on how to access e-books on their electronic device.

As we strive to make the library experience enjoyable for all, we seek our patrons' cooperation to return the library materials on time.

We encourage everyone to play his part and stay fines-free, so that others can also enjoy these library materials.

Catherine Lau (Ms)

Assistant Chief Executive

Public Library Services

National Library Board

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 29, 2016, with the headline Return library materials on time so that others can enjoy them. Subscribe