Deep dive shows where fine free week returns landed
22 May 2024
The Library and Information Service completed a very successful Fine
Free Week earlier this year. A look by area and individual library shows where
most of the returns were made, with more than 18 500 items finding their
way back to libraries between 18 and 24 March
The Library and Information Service recovered 52% of all outstanding items, with a monetary value of R2, 2 million.
By comparison, in 2023, the recovery rate was 19%, with a monetary value of R827 000.
A closer look at the statistics by geographical area determined the following:
- Area East: 5 685 items returned, valued at R668 392,66
- Area South: 4 783 items returned, valued at R549 464,16
- Area Central: 4 338 returns, with a value of R514 452,92
- Area North: 3 777 returns, valued at R472 264,02
By individual facility, the top 10 in terms of value of items recovered are
'The numbers remind us that libraries are valuable community spaces that need protection, and a shared responsibility for the materials that are so sought-after. I want to thank each and every one who had a hand in the most recent Fine Free week, and I encourage others to participate next time, so that we can reclaim even more of our stock. This deep dive has also been incredibly valuable, because the data can help plot our efforts going forward, and see what, if anything more can or needs to be done to encourage those who are perhaps a little more shy to come forward. Who knows, perhaps next time we'll have a drop box where returns can be done anonymously,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
