Another Fine-free Week at the City of Cape Town’s 104 libraries will be held to coincide with National Book Week, which runs from Monday 3 September to Sunday 9 September.
In an attempt to recover more than 20 000 overdue items, patrons will have an opportunity to return these and escape a fine, and get back into the good books of their local library.
“Currently, there are more than 20 000 items, including books, study guides and DVDs that are long overdue at the City’s libraries, valued at around R2 million,” said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.
During National Book Week, patrons will have the opportunity to return all overdue library materials without facing any repercussions.
“During the last Fine-free Week earlier this year, libraries retrieved 6 067 items to the value of R283 000,” said Smith.
In addition, lost library cards will be replaced at no cost to patrons.
“National Book Week aims to promote reading, which is a powerful tool in fighting poverty,” Smith said. “Literacy and reading lie at the heart of education, personal growth and development.
“I want to urge patrons to return library stock so that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of what they have to offer.”
National Book Week aims to mitigate a disturbing trend that has emerged in a 10-year period, 2006-2016 (based on studies conducted both years) — an increase in the number of SA households that don’t own a single leisure book, up from 51% in 2006 to 58% in 2016. Only 14% of the country’s population are avowed readers.
