Missing books cost Auckland libraries

File photo / Dean Purcell

Bookworms owe Auckland libraries almost $1.3 million in fines.

Latest figures also show more than 20,000 books were lost in the first six months of the Auckland Council, costing ratepayers $540,000.

Some owed more than $2000 in fees and missing books. A spokeswoman said they had probably borrowed high-value items such as art books.