The City of Cape Town’s Library and Information Service has reported that 52% of all outstanding items valued at R2.2 million, between 18 and 24 March as part of Fine Free Week, have been recovered.
More than 18 500 items were returned to libraries, according to a press statement released by the City.
This is in an increase when compared to 2023, when the recovery rate was 19%, with a value of R827 000.
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Statistics by the four geographical areas revealed the following:
- Area East: 5 685 items were returned, valued at R668 392.66
- Area South: 4 783 items were returned, valued at R549 464.16
- Area Central: 4 338 were returned, with a value of R514 452.92
- Area North: 3 777 were returned, valued at R472 264.02
‘The numbers remind us that libraries are valuable community spaces that need protection, and a shared responsibility for the materials that are so sought-after,’ said Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayco Member for Community Services and Health,
‘This deep dive has also been incredibly valuable, because the data can help plot our efforts going forward, and see what, if anything more can or needs to be done to encourage those who are perhaps a little more shy to come forward,’ Van der Ross added.
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