City libraries suffer nearly R2 million loss in unreturned items in 2018

15 March 2019

In 2018, a staggering 20 193 items valued at R1 774 993,70 were not returned to libraries. The City’s Library and Information Service hopes the lure of Fine Free Week, which coincides with South African Library Week, will see most if not all of these items returned.

'This year, the theme for Library Week is Collaborate @ Your Library. I want to urge patrons to take hands with librarians to make access to information a reality by returning those items that are long overdue. We will ask no questions and waive any fines that have accrued on these items. We need them back on our shelves for others to enjoy too,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zaid Badroodien.

SA Library Week was initiated in 2001 for libraries across the country to use as an opportunity to market their services and to promote the important role that libraries play in a democratic society by advancing literacy, making the basic human right of freedom of access to information a reality, and promoting tolerance and respect among all South Africans.

'Library Week also coincides with Human Rights Day. The Bill of Rights recognises the freedom of access to information as a basic human right. It is therefore concerning that four of the top titles not returned last year are study guides. By not returning items, someone else is being deprived of the right to access those materials and, in this case, are denied an educational resource,' said Councillor Badroodien.

During South African Library Week, City libraries are hosting various special programmes for all ages including a road march to promote library services, storytelling, arts and crafts, membership drives and poetry sessions.

All City libraries will have programmes during this week in celebration of this event and communities are encouraged to visit their libraries to participate and collaborate with their libraries.

‘The City’s libraries have become more than just buildings where we store books. They are places of knowledge and information, spaces for social interaction and relaxation. Libraries are communal spaces where residents can meet, learn and interact. Our dedicated librarians are proud to be a part of a week that celebrates and promotes the use of these spaces,’ said Councillor Badroodien

Fine Free Week coincides with South African Library Week, and patrons who return overdue library materials during this week will be exempt from paying fines.

Patrons are reminded that, while no fines will be charged, previous fines will not be written off during this week.

This means if you take back currently overdue items, you will not pay a fine on those materials returned. However, if you have already accrued a fine for late/lost or damaged items returned to the library previously, you will still be liable to pay that fine.

'Our libraries are creative and educational spaces for everyone and the materials are for the benefit of all. I encourage our patrons to visit, interact and truly embrace their libraries as an integral part of their communities,' said Councillor Badroodien.

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