Cape Town: The Library and Information Services of the City of Cape Town held four successful Fine Free Weeks for over a 12-month period. The most recently held was during the school holidays. Almost 40,000 overdue items were returned which were worth R5 million.
During the past year, City of Cape Town libraries saw that 37,422 items were returned with a monetary value of R4 767,836, 51. The most recent Fine Free Week was observed from June 29, 2026 to July 04, 2026 and recorded the return of 10,300 items valued at R1,393,920.
Reportedly, the library patrons returned 12,442 items during the National Fine Free Week in March this year. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series remained the most returned book that time, along with study guides for high school subjects.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that the numbers clearly prove just how popular the Fine Free Weeks are. It is an opportunity for patrons to return books and other items without paying a fine for late returns.
According to Higham, returning books allow others to also experience reading their favourite book. The libraries have so much to offer and she urged all the residents to visit their local library to enjoy a safe reading space and so much more.
Such libraries relish the return of physical reading material, as the digital resources of the City of Cape Town are expanding too.
Notably, the registered library members can visit e-resources (capetown.gov.za). eBooks and audio books are also available to access or download via the Overdrive Digital Platform or the Libby App on smart devices. These libraries also provide access to over 7000 local and international newspapers and magazines that are available to access or can be downloaded via the PressReader platform or app.
Fine Free Week is observed timely in Cape Town to keep vigilance and have a record of the stationery and books issued to city libraries. The borrowers return the items in the given time-period and no fine is charged.