Cape Town: Readers can now return the items borrowed from library fine free, during the ongoing Fine Free Week. The week is being observed from Monday, Sept 01 to 06, 2025 at all city libraries.
Reportedly, this is the third Fine Free Week which city is celebrating in 2025. During previous two amnesty periods, library items worth R1.3 million were returned back. Between Sept 01 and 06, 2025 patrons are advised to bring back outstanding items without any fine.
City libraries have over 2 million items in their collection including books and other stationary items. The current budget is of over R12 million which required to acquire additional material. Also, there is a need to update the collection of City libraries.
The libraries are individually responsible for their publications which mainly focus on children and teen materials and reflect the diversity of the city, being the best and latest in publications.
Selective publications support departmental projects such as the ‘1000 Stories’ before school, coding and chess clubs, considering others. Allocation of these materials is based on the needs that are expressed by the librarians.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the Fine Free Week will end in two days, before the celebration of International Literacy Day.
The day is the time when they have the opportunity to highlight the importance of literature and its impact on dignity and human rights. The Fine Free Week is a great opportunity for patrons to return overdue items that they have borrowed from library, without paying any due fine.
Higham considered that it is also a chance for others to access the books. She said that some stories are very good that you wish to read them again and again. But everyone is encouraged to bring books and other items back.
She marked that the city libraries are valuable community hubs and offer crucial resources. They make sure that everyone has access to the material, which they need to return the items on time.