The City of Cape Town’s libraries will be taking National Book week (6 to 12 September) one step further by calling on library patrons to return overdue items without being fined.
Currently, a total of 20 131 items are overdue from the City’s 102 service points, which includes three satellite libraries.
This was confirmed by the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, who said that “National Book Week is an opportunity for patrons to return any outstanding items, without the concern of having to pay fines,” as per the City’s website.
“The pandemic and different lockdown levels have meant our libraries were not always open and patrons could not access the facilities freely. I want to encourage patrons to return any items they may have that are overdue. The value of the outstanding material is a whopping R1 848 739,” Councillor Badroodien adds.
The most overdue items and the number outstanding across City libraries are:
Cinderella: 29
Little Red Riding Hood: 28
Double down: 27
The getaway: 22
Mathematical literacy. Grade 12, [study guide] : notes and worked examples, questions per topic, detailed answers with explanations: 21
The meltdown: 21
Alice in Wonderland: 20
Animals: 20
Jack and the beanstalk: 20
“I’m glad parents are reading to their children or the younger patrons are so excited about reading. However, we want many more of our patrons to enjoy these magical fairy tales. Study materials are in high demand, especially this time of year and I want to urge students and learners to return items so as many as possible can access it. Our libraries are for everyone and we have limited resources to replace any lost items,” Councillor Badroodien concludes.
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