The City is encouraging learners preparing for their examinations, particularly matric candidates, to make use of the free study spaces, educational materials and digital resources available at public libraries across the city. With more than 350 study guides still outstanding, learners are encouraged to return overdue study guides to their local public libraries so that others can use them as they prepare for their examinations.

With matric and other examinations under way, City libraries offer learners a welcoming place to study and access to educational materials.

‘As learners prepare for their exams, we want them to have access to the resources available at our public libraries. More than 350 study guides are still outstanding, and I'm asking anyone who has one at home to please return it. These guides, which are available free of charge at our libraries, are just some of the resources the City provides,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

City libraries offer a range of resources and services to support learners throughout the academic year. These include:

• Quiet and safe study spaces: Many libraries make halls, open spaces or dedicated quiet areas available throughout the year and during peak study and examination periods.
• Study guides and reference materials: Study guides are available for Grades 8 to 12 for languages, Life Science, Business Studies and Mathematics, amongst others and are subject to availability.
• Matric support programme: Year-round support including access to study guides, past examination papers, textbooks and tutorials. 
• SmartCape internet and Wi-Fi: Access to computers and internet facilities to assist with online research, educational resources and printing requirements.

The most recent Fine Free Week (5 – 11 September 2026), showed the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is still the most returned book.

‘The response to our Fine Free Week is always overwhelming and our librarians are grateful for every item returned. I want to encourage learners and students to return study guides as soon as possible. With the matric exams at hand, it’s a resource we’d like to share and make available for the next patron to use. When a book is returned, it is giving the next person the opportunity to discover a new favourite story or conduct vital research,’ added Councillor Higham.

Top 10 books returned:

While the libraries relish the return of physical reading material, the City’s digital resources are expanding too. 
Registered library members can visit e-resources. eBooks and audio books are available to access or download via the Overdrive Digital Platform or the Libby App on smart devices. 
 
Libraries also provide access to more than 7 000 local and international newspapers and magazines are available to access or download via the PressReader platform or app. 
 
Access the online catalogue at opac.capetown.gov.za.

Access the full catalogue of free services and programmes.