Librarians welcome back 75% of overdue items
03 October 2021
Patrons of the City of Cape Town’s libraries took full advantage of this year’s National Book Week, and fine free days, to return overdue items during September. Of the 15 159 items which were returned, 2 149 were long overdue (more than a year).
‘Each year, we encourage patrons to return overdue items without the fear of being fined and this year we are happy to get back so many of the outstanding items. I want to thank our patrons for ensuring the material can be shared once again and bring more joy to others,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Some of the books which found their way home are 30 copies of The Getaway (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) and 88 copies of different children’s fairy tales.
‘The city’s libraries are places of knowledge and information for all and they boast a combined collection worth R859 million for the benefit of all our residents. We must ensure these materials are available for our patrons to enjoy, but often, these are targets for thieves, and this is a loss we can ill afford,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
To curb theft, the Library and Information Systems Department will spend R5 million over five years to maintain the current book detection system, installing it in more libraries. The system is in place to secure library collections and an added security for library materials.
‘The high cost of books, particularly textbooks, means these are prone to theft. The sustainability of collections and being able to avail these resources to patrons who are not in a financial position to acquire them is imperative. Through this contract, library materials that are checked out by patrons will be better controlled, thereby minimising any potential loss, and at the same time, sustaining, and building on collections,’
The City intends to conclude a contract for the acquisition of replacement parts for the existing book theft detection system, in addition to the purchase of new systems and their maintenance.
To exit the library, patrons walk between the sensing units which are programmed to detect materials fitted with special mechanisms which are deactivated at the checkout counters.
Should the materials not be deactivated, an alarm will sound, alerting staff of the potential unauthorised removal of library materials.
Since 2018 to date 49 630 items have gone missing or have been stolen. These include 45 819 books, 1 962 DVDs and 1 712 music CDs.
‘Library collections chronicle and give a glimpse into our history, communicate the present and can help us shape the future. We cannot allow unscrupulous thieves to walk off with materials which provide knowledge, joy and creative outlets to our patrons. It deprives them of the joy of these materials,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
