Cape Town libraries celebrate fine free week with thousands of overdue books returned
The most popular books to be returned belonged to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid collection
Image: Loot
Cape Town’s libraries welcomed the return of thousands of overdue books during this month’s Fine Free Week, with just over 40% of all outstanding books making their way back to the shelves.
A total of 12 442 items, valued at more than R1.5M (R1 622 008), were returned, including favourites like Wimpy Kid, Peppa Pig, and Harry Potter.
While a significant contribution, these returns still represent less than half of the 29 848 items, valued at R3 680 361, that remain outstanding.
“I want to thank everyone who made the effort to return their overdue items. Every Fine Free Week is an opportunity for patrons to avoid paying penalties and for our libraries to get back valuable stock.
"Resources are at the heart of library operations, so help us keep this vital lifeline going by returning outstanding material,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Top 10 books returned:
Wrecking Ball – Jeff Kinney (12)
No Brainer – Jeff Kinney (10)
The Deep End – Jeff Kinney (9)
James and the Giant Peach – Roald Dahl (7)
The Last Straw – Jeff Kinney (7)
Tippie en die Hen – Jose Palmer (7)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone – J. K. Rowling (6)
It’s Not Summer Without You – Jenny Han (6)
Peppa Goes Swimming – Mandy Archer (6)
Reckless – Lauren Roberts (6)
Higham urged patrons to continue returning overdue items even after Fine Free Week ends, noting that “every book returned helps the library serve the community better and ensures access to resources for all.”
Fine Free Week remains a key initiative in promoting reading, reducing barriers for library users, and ensuring valuable resources are available for everyone in Cape Town.