Library patrons can return overdue items to City libraries without being fined during National Book Week, from Monday September 2 to Sunday September 8.
According to Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for community services and health, there are some 80 000 items more than a day overdue at the City’s 104 libraries, including books, study guides and DVDs, all valued at about R16 million.
“It means someone else is deprived of access to the item,” he said.
During National Book Week, patrons can return all overdue library material without any repercussions.
Topping the list of overdue items is a range of fairy tales and some study guides.
“I want to encourage our patrons to start dusting off the books and DVD’s they’ve been too embarrassed to return because of the time-lapse,” said Dr Badroodien.
In addition, lost library cards will be replaced at no cost to patrons.
National Book Week is a countrywide campaign to promote reading.
“Literacy and reading are at the heart of education and development. Too few children are reading and if they are hesitant to come to the library because of outstanding material, they are missing out on one of the most powerful tools in fighting poverty,” said Dr Badroodien.
Of the 272 000 patrons at City libraries, 26 466 are between the ages of 13 and 18, while 79 314 are aged up to 12 years.
