City libraries hope for a Wimpy Kid Christmas miracle

08 December 2025

Christmas has come early for young library patrons who have a chance to return outstanding items, fine free, between 15 and 20 December. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid children’s book series remains the most outstanding item from City libraries, taking up seven of the top 10 list of items to be returned.

City libraries are getting into the holiday spirit, and they’re hopeful that young patrons will return the favour in the form of overdue books.

The Fine Free Week for children is the final one for the year and will run from 15 to 20 December, when library material can be returned without paying fines for late items.

The total number of outstanding children’s books is 10 025, valued at more than R2,2 million.

‘It is heartening to see our children’s love for books and how they want to read them over and over. By returning books, we can share the joy of a story and find new adventures to go on. Parents, please encourage your children to return their books, as it helps keep our collections diverse and teaches them responsibility. We want to ensure fair access to our material for everyone, but to do that, we need outstanding items to be returned,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series continues to lead the pack of most outstanding items, taking the top six spots.

At the same time, patrons under 18 can apply for a free replacement of their library cards.

Once you’ve checked out your books, check out the holiday programmes at your library or local recreation centre.

Some of the activities at libraries include snake and puppet shows, games, movies, and arts and crafts.

To see what’s happening in your area, visit the City's website.
 

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office