It’s that time of the year again when City Libraries grant clemency to book borrowers who have overdue items at home.
The City’s Library and Information Service has invited all residents to celebrate South African Library Week 2025 from 17 to 23 March, featuring a golden opportunity to return overdue items during Fine Free Week, no penalties and no questions asked.
The City says there are over 40,000 missing items it wants to be returned, valued at over R4,6 million, which includes much-needed children’s books and study guides.
The very popular ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series by Jeff Kinney is again dominating the most-wanted list, with 30 copies of ‘Wrecking Ball’ alone waiting to find their way home.
The Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham describes it as library amnesty week.
“Every returned book means another child gets to experience that story, or another student can prepare properly for exams. Returning these materials isn’t about avoiding fines, it’s about strengthening our community resources. We encourage all residents to help these outstanding books, CDs, DVDs and magazines find their way home.”
In addition, this year’s theme for Library Week is ‘Libraries for Sustainable Communities’, which highlights how libraries serve as shared neighbourhood resources that benefit everyone.
Throughout the week, libraries across the city will host:
• Upcycling workshops teaching creative reuse of materials
• Panel discussions on building greener neighbourhoods
• South African children’s literature story times
• Digital literacy sessions for all ages
Not a library member? Find out how to apply HERE.
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