Almost 40 000 overdue items returned during Fine Free weeks

04 August 2026

Over a 12-month period, the City’s Library and Information Services held four successful fine free weeks - the most recent during the school holidays. The overdue items were worth almost R5 million.

During the past year, City libraries saw 37 422  items returned with a monetary value of R4 767 836, 51.
The most recent Fine Free Week ( 29 June – 4 July 2026) saw the return of 10 300  items valued  at R1 393 920. Library patrons returned  12 442 items during the National Fine Free Week in March this year.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series remains the most returned book, along with study guides for high school subjects.

’The numbers prove just how popular our Fine Free weeks are. It is an opportunity for patrons to return books and other items without paying a fine for late returns. Returning books allows others to also experience reading their favourite book. Our libraries have so much to offer and I would like to invite residents to visit their local library to enjoy a safe reading space and so much more,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

While the libraries relish the return of physical reading material, the City’s digital resources are expanding too.

Registered library members can visit e-resources (capetown.gov.za). eBooks and audio books are available to access or download via the Overdrive Digital Platform or the Libby App on smart devices.
 
Libraries also provide access to more than 7 000 local and international newspapers and magazines are available to access or download via the PressReader platform or app.
 
Access the online catalogue at opac.capetown.gov.za.
 
The full catalogue of free services and programmes is available here: https://bit.ly/4pUt2QH
.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office