While the City’s libraries recovered nearly R1 million in outstanding items during the recent fine-free week that coincided with South African Library Week (SALW), thousands of items remain unreturned.
Less than a month ago, librarians issued an appeal to patrons to return approximately 40 000 items, valued at R4.6 million, that had not been returned by 2022.
Also read: Bring back “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and join the fun for Library Week
‘There are still more than 30 000 of these items outstanding, but we want to applaud and thank patrons who have heeded the call, said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
‘During the school holidays, many more people have the opportunity to visit the library looking for constructive ways to fill their time. The items returned can now be recirculated to delight and inform many others.’
A total of 7 308 items (excluding magazines), valued at R827 341 were returned.
At the top of the pile were seven copies of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, by Jeff Kinney. Ten copies of the book are still unaccounted for.
Other popular returns included Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Rooikappie, a Grade 12 Life Sciences study guide, Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth and Where’s Wally Now?
‘We’re very happy that Wally found his way back to the library because unreturned items not only mean that the pleasure of enjoying these stories and resources is lost to others but also impact the library’s financial situation,’ said councillor van der Ross.
‘Apart from the returned items, another highlight has been the many programmes that our libraries hosted over the school holidays to keep the little ones busy. A number of activities kept the boredom at bay, and a huge part of that was a large number of items on offer to take out and enjoy at home. There is always time to return books or other materials, so don’t think you’ve missed the opportunity,’ she concluded.
Also read:
SA Library Week calls for book returns and celebrating powerful stories
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