Fine free week yields a less than favourable return

06 April 2023

While the City’s libraries recovered outstanding items worth nearly R1 million during the recent fine free week that coincided with South African Library Week (SALW), there are still thousands of unreturned library items. 

Less than a month ago, librarians appealed to patrons to return some 40 000 items, worth an estimated R4,6 million which had not been returned in 2022.

'There are still more than 30 000 of these items outstanding, but we want to applaud and thank patrons who have heeded the call. During the school holidays many more people have the opportunity to visit the library looking for constructive ways to fill their time. The items returned can now be recirculated to delight and inform many others,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

A total of 7 308 items (excluding magazines), valued at R827 341, were returned.

At the top of the pile were seven copies of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The last straw, by Jeff Kinney. Ten copies of the book are still unaccounted for.

Other popular returns included Goldilocks and the three bears, Rooikappie, a Grade 12 Life Sciences study guide, Percy Jackson and the battle of the labyrinth and Where's Wally Now?

'We're very happy that Wally found his way back to the library, because unreturned items means that the pleasure of enjoying these stories and resources is lost to others, but also impact the library service financially.  

'Apart from the returned items, another highlight has been the many programmes that our libraries hosted over the school holidays to keep the little ones busy. A number of activities kept the boredom at bay and a huge part of that is the large number of items on offer to take out and enjoy at home. There is always time to return books or other materials, so don't think you've missed the opportunity,' said Councillor Van der Ross.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office