Library charges for children across the Netherlands are being scrapped from July 1, the culture ministry has confirmed.

The Senate this week approved a change to the law abolishing the charges. Libraries are already free in many towns and cities, but municipalities are allowed to charge up to half the cost of an adult subscription.

The charges will no longer apply across the Netherlands, including the Caribbean territories, deputy culture minister Günay Usu said.

‘The cost should not be a barrier to young people going to libraries,’ she said. ‘Our evaluation of the Libraries Act found that these libraries have fewer members under 18. Whereas we want to encourage reading for young people.’