Fines will be wiped with no questions asked when overdue books, DVDs, CDs and magazines are returned to the library during August. 

Macquarie Regional Library director John Bayliss said having a 'No Fines' month was a great opportunity for the community to bring back any overdue books and to be able to continue to enjoy the benefits and services of the library without having to pay a fine."

"It is hoped the month-long amnesty will encourage people to locate any overdue items they may have at home and return them to any branch of the library service," he said. 

"This will result in these books, DVDs, audio books and CDs being available for the rest of the community to enjoy". 

So check your bookshelves, search under the bed, check your car and scan the DVD shelf for any library items. 

Return the overdue item to any branch and present your library card for a free pass on fines. 

The amnesty will run for the whole month of August 2015.

Social media in a new age 

Robert Charles Wilson's newest offering, The Affinities, is a beautiful example of his ability to play around the edges of Science Fiction with this fascinating thriller. 

Author of the much acclaimed Spin and 2013s Burning Paradise, Wilson's writing is absorbing and easy to read without losing any of its intelligent edge. 

The Affinities unwraps a world where social media has morphed to the extent where civilians can be tested for aptitude and siphoned into groups by idenitifying similarities which allow them to even communicate telepathically. 

The main character Adam, whose life before he was tested has been a sort of everyman shambles, suddenly finds rising success as he is found to belong to one of the largest affinity groups.

As he is swept along, the economic and personal benefits of belonging to increasingly powerful groups are revealed to have a dark underside, with the affinities coming into conflict with each other. Murder, mayhem and clever writing then ensue. 

Do you love your dogs more than your people?

If you are an animal enthusiast and are more likely to get excited about something with four legs and large ears than any person who can string a sentence together, smiles both internal and external can be found at the library. 

You may be able to relate to Asia Upward, who has produced a book called A Dog's World containing gourmet recipes suitable for your dachshund. 

If you have ever wanted to make your dog a hamburger or bow wow brownies, this is the book for you. 

For those who have braved the winter cold but left their happy face at home, Wilma may be able to revive it. 

She is a middle-aged, Foxy-cross whose friend, photographer Rae Dunn, has captured her ageless wisdom and laid back sense of humour. 

Wilma's ironic expressions and effortlessly stylish approach to modern living are documented in Wilma's World: Good Advice from a Good Dog which is available for loan from Wellington Library.

Macquarie Regional Library, Wellington Branch, is located on the corner of Maughan and Percy Streets, Wellington. Phone: 6845 2156.