Got any overdue library books? Owe maybe a few pence on them, or perhaps a couple of pounds?? Well get this. From 1 April, anyone with outstanding fines of more than £14 will find a “recovery agency” on their case (and get an extra £10 fine in the process).
The reason is that as at the start of the month, there was  £167,692 owed in fines to the borough’s libraries, with 27,846 books, DVDs and CDs overdue. The recovery agency will also be after anyone whose items are more than 36 days overdue.
Before the new regime comes into effect, there is an amnesty on overdue items from 19 to 25 March.
• Wanstead Library will have new opening hours from 2 April 2012. They are:
Monday 9.30am – 8pm
Tuesday 9.30am – 6pm
Wednesday 9.30am – 8pm
Thursday 9.30am – 6pm
Friday 9.30am – 8pm
Saturday 9.30am – 4pm