Somerset West library emerged as a top performer during the City of Cape Town‘s latest Fine Free Week, with patrons returning 567 overdue items – the second-highest number among all City libraries.
The impressive return rate at the local facility contributed to a remarkable citywide response during the amnesty period.
“Our third Fine Free Week for the year saw 9 105 items returned, valued at just more than R1,14 million. These opportunities to return overdue items without a fine continue to be popular and we are grateful to everyone who brought back their items. I want to encourage patrons to return items on time, so we can all share in the adventures and magic,” said Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health.
The amnesty period revealed some fascinating stories, including the most overdue item – Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, a book about loss set in Tokyo in the late 1960s, which had been checked out from Fish Hoek Library six years ago on 3 October 2019.
Libraries with most overdue item returns:
• Durbanville: 568
• Somerset West: 567
• Meadowridge: 423
• Fish Hoek: 395
• Bellville: 368
During the previous two amnesty periods this year, more than R1,3 million worth of library items were returned citywide.
“We need items to be returned timeously, so everyone can have access to them. Prompt returns also support the library’s function as a community resource for reading, learning, and exam preparation,” added Higham.
Individual libraries are responsible for their selections and the focus is on children and teen materials that reflect the diversity of the city as well as the latest and best in publications. Selections also serve to support departmental projects such as the 1 000 Stories Before School, coding and chess clubs, among others.
Registered library members can access digital offerings at e-resources.capetown.gov.za, including eBooks and audiobooks via Overdrive Digital Platform or the Libby App, plus over 7 000 newspapers and magazines through PressReader.
Access the online catalogue at opac.capetown.gov.za.
