No penalties during Fine Free Week
14 March 2025
South African Library Week is happening from 17 to 23 March 2025, during which citizens celebrate the role of libraries in our communities. It’s also a chance for borrowers to bring back the 40 112 overdue library items – no penalties, no questions asked.
The City's Library and Information Service invites all residents to celebrate South African Library Week 2025 from 17 to 23 March, featuring a golden opportunity to return overdue items during Fine Free Week.
‘Think of this as a library amnesty week. No questions asked and no penalties applied. We simply would like the more than 40 000 missing items back in circulation where they can benefit everyone in our community,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The missing items, valued at over R4,6 million, include much-needed children's books and study guides.
Jeff Kinney's ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series dominates the most-wanted list for another year, with 30 copies of ‘Wrecking Ball’ alone waiting to find their way home.
‘Every returned book means another child gets to experience that story, or another student can prepare properly for exams. Returning these materials isn't about avoiding fines, it's about strengthening our community resources. We encourage all residents to help these outstanding books, CDs, DVDs and magazines find their way home,’ added Councillor Higham.
Outstanding material can be returned at any of the City’s 102 libraries until 23 March.
Celebrating Sustainable Communities
This year's theme, ‘Libraries for Sustainable Communities’, highlights how libraries serve as shared neighbourhood resources that benefit everyone. Throughout the week, libraries across the city will host:
• Upcycling workshops teaching creative reuse of materials
• Panel discussions on building greener neighbourhoods
• South African children's literature story times
• Digital literacy sessions for all ages
To kick off the week, the Library and Information Services Department hosted its annual SALW Road March in the city centre on Friday, 14 March 2025.
‘Libraries are the ultimate example of a sustainable community resource. One book can educate and entertain hundreds of people over its lifetime; but only if it's available on our shelves,’ said Councillor Higham.
The City has 102 libraries across the metropole, with a staff complement of 894.
Library membership is at 242 144 active members (i.e. they have valid library cards) as at 28 February, with 3 242 893 items circulated from 1 July 2024 to 28 February 2025 across the library network.
To join a library, visit your nearest facility today, and sign up – you’ll be able to check out your very first books on the same day! Please bring identification and proof of address.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
