Cape Town: The Libraries and Information Services of the City of Cape Town held Fine Free Week for patrons up to the age of 17 during the week of Monday, June 30 to Saturday, July 05, 2025 at every public library, regardless of where they were borrowed.
Reportedly, the getaway leads the return home to libraries, following the popular Fine Free Week during the July school holidays as the City of Cape Town Libraries announced more than R1.3 million worth of library items which were returned.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham extended his gratitude to all the residents who took advantage of the Fine Free Week to return items so that they can be available for others to enjoy.
Higham added that the number of items returned is an excellent example of how popular the Fine Free Weeks are and how popular the libraries are for young and old residents. They are committed to keeping these spaces vibrant, welcoming, and accessible for all to use.
During the Fine Free Week, 10,712 items were returned to the value of R1,377,442,85. The items included overdue children and young adult books, comics, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, and CDs.
Those patrons who returned items can start the new term with a new borrowing chapter. Residents are invited to join one of the 102 libraries across the metropole. To join a library, visit your nearest facility today. Once registered, you’ll be able to check out your first batch of books on the same day.
See the list of the top 10 books returned, below:
| Title of Book | Books Returned |
| The Getaway by Jeff Kinney | 11 |
| The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney | 8 |
| The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney | 8 |
| The Deep End by Jeff Kinney | 7 |
| The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney | 7 |
| Wrecking Ball by Jeff Kinney | 7 |
| Diper Överlöde by Jeff Kinney | 6 |
| Dog Man by Dav Pikey | 6 |
| Hallo, Tippie! By Jose Palmer | 6 |
| Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling | 6 |