It’s a fine (free) time to return outstanding items

28 August 2025

Patrons once again have the opportunity to return their outstanding library items without fearing fines. Fine Free Week takes place from Monday, 1 September to Saturday, 6 September at all City libraries.

This will be the third Fine Free Week for 2025. During the previous two amnesty periods, more than R1,3 million worth of library items were returned.

Between 1 and 6 September, patrons can once again bring back outstanding items without being fined.

‘This Fine Free Week ends two days before International Literacy Day when we shine a spotlight on the importance of literature and its impact on dignity and human rights. While the Fine Free Week affords patrons the opportunity to return overdue items without paying a fine, it’s also a chance for someone else to access the resource or get lost in the magic of a book. Some stories are so good you want to read them again and again, but I encourage patrons to bring back items. There is still a whole library of adventures and action waiting,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

City libraries are home to more than two million items. Just over R12 million has been set aside in the current budget to acquire additional material.

The need to provide updated and relevant collections to communities is one of the core principles of City libraries.
Libraries are individually responsible for their selections and the focus is on children and teen materials that reflect the diversity of the city as well as the latest and best in publications.

Selections also serve to support departmental projects such as the 1 000 Stories Before School, coding and chess Clubs, among others.

Allocation of these materials is based on the needs expressed by librarians as well as knowledge of their collections, the gaps within the collections and the need to enhance collections.

‘Our libraries are valuable community hubs and offer crucial resources. To make sure everyone has access to the material, we need them to be returned timeously. If, for some reason you were unable to do so and it’s now a late item, please make use of Fine Free Week to bring it back,’ added Councillor Higham.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office