Today, there's a news about HK's public Library still have 17.6 million penalties not been collected.

I thought that it is becoz of some leaks of the library services in HK.

Right now, U only need to pay back the penalties when U use any service in the counter ( such as, loaning, returning). However, libraries did have an ATM machine for the citizens self service for borrwing books. Therefore, if U just kept use the ATM machine for borrowing books. Then, U dun need to be informed for any unpaid penalties. Then , U dun need to pay it anymore.

Furthermore, if U still have unpaid penalties, U still can borrow books from ATM machine ( if I am not wrong).

Some people had a too much penalties, then they just don't pay for it. It is because Library is not Loan shark. It will be a thousand times safer to own them about 20 thousand dollars and U still have a nice day than own money from Load Shark. The Library will not sue U back the penalties.

Also, self service ( include library service via the Internet ) is too common in library service. It's quite common to forget to return the books to the library. Once they found out, the penalties is super high already. Then, they just do not return them. Therefore, it may be one of factors for lost books and high penalties.

There are some possible solutions for this chaos. For example, HK Public Library can be Universities Library. Send the sms or email or any other notification to the citizen that the due date is coming and remind them to renew books if they haven't finished them.

If they really forgot to return the books on time, not only to pay the penalties but also pay its interest.

Last but not least, whenever they wanted to use library service ( via ATM or Internet or counter), the citizens have to pay all their unpaid penalties before using that. I believe this one did not have any practical problems and it should be more efficient way to solve this.

p.s. I admit I still have unpaid penalties in the public library...