City Library Fine Free Week

The City of Cape Town’s librarians are appealing to patrons to return outstanding items after it has been revealed that more than 22 000 items were lost at a cost of nearly R3 million. To encourage the return of items, the City’s libraries is holding a Fine Free Week, from 5 to 10 September, that is from Monday to Saturday, with more than a week of jam-packed programmes. It includes a celebration of International Literacy Day on 8 September.

Currently the 22 775 lost items are mainly books, but also include study guides, and DVDs, all at a cost of R2 927 071.

photo cred: Champaign Public Library 

The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross said an item is deemed lost when it hasn't been returned by the due date for at least three months which deprives other patrons of enjoying the item, while libraries suffer a loss they can can’t afford.

Topping the list of lost items are the Grade 12 Geography study guide, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Alice in Wonderland, and Little Red Riding Hood.

The amnesty period will allow patrons to return overdue books and other items without paying a fine.

International Literacy Day, on 8 September, highlights the changes and improvements being made worldwide in literacy development.

Van der Ross says improving literacy is an integral part of the City’s efforts to close the inequality gap in education and eradicating poverty. The theme for this year's International Literacy Day is "Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces" and gives people the opportunity to consider the importance of libraries as literacy learning spaces.

Some of the activities taking place during this week include digital literacy sessions, librarian outreaches and many book and awareness talks.

One of the highlights of the week is an author's fair hosted by the Helderberg libraries. The fair will include book launches, and visits by authors and publishers to the Gordon's Bay, Kuils River, Lwandle, Macassar, PD Paulse, Strand, Somerset West and Melton Rose libraries.