Return overdue library books without getting penalised, appeals CoCT

The City of Cape Town is calling on library patrons to return more than 35 000 library items across the metro, valued at R3,9 million outstanding.

ARCHIVE - Bush Radio's Mitchum George 

This week (18 – 23 March 2024) serves as SA Library week, and patrons are encouraged to return outstanding items without paying any fines. This year’s theme - ‘Libraries foster social cohesion’.

Mayco member for Community Services & Health, Patricia van der Ross, says for the umpteenth time, ‘The Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series remains the most popular outstanding item at City libraries. This is followed by ‘Wrecking ball’ as well as ‘Double down’ by author Jeff Kinney. History & Georgraphy Grade 12 study guides are also amongst the items that are still outstanding.

INFO: City of Cape Town

‘’Our libraries provide access to information and engage communities on several platforms. We provide the tools for communication and learning, which includes making material accessible and available to all our patrons. During Fine Free Week, our patrons have the opportunity to play their part and return outstanding material so we can share the wealth of knowledge and enjoyment,’ said Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Currently there are 35 411 items outstanding, compared to 39 000 with a value of R4,6 million in 2023.

‘’While we are enthused by the drop in the number of items that are outstanding, the fact that material worth nearly R4 million is still unaccounted for, remains a bitter pill to swallow. Our libraries have limited budgets, and so are not always able to replace items. So, I want to encourage our patrons to return outstanding items as it will give others a fair opportunity to enjoy them, and ease the load on our library collection,’’ said Van der Ross.

 

Done by: Mitchum George