- With the theme “Libraries foster social cohesion” libraries took to the streets to mark South African Library Week on Monday 18 March.
- The event coincided with fine-free week, when patrons were eligible to return outstanding books without penalties.
- According to City records, there are currently 35 411 outstanding items valued at R3,9 million, compared to 39 000 to the value of R4,6 million last year with The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series item remaining the most popular outstanding item.
With the theme “Libraries foster social cohesion” libraries took to the streets to mark South African Library Week on Monday 18 March.
The event coincided with fine-free week, when patrons were eligible to return outstanding books without penalties.
According to City records, there are currently 35 411 outstanding items valued at R3,9 million, compared to 39 000 to the value of R4,6 million last year with The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series item remaining the most popular outstanding item.
Mayco member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross said that nearly R4 million worth of reading material remains unaccounted for.
“We provide the tools for communication and learning which includes making material accessible and available to all our patrons,” she said.
“Our libraries have limited budgets and are not always able to replace items, so I want to encourage our patrons to return outstanding items as it will give others a fair opportunity to enjoy them and ease the load on our library collection.”
Van der Ross said the fine free week was the ideal opportunity for patrons to return outstanding material and indulge in new books.
Commenting on the significance of library week Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate, who joined Lotus River Library to celebrate the day, said reading is a crucial part of youth development.
“Libraries play a pivotal role as [they] create an enabling environment where people can meet, read and engage with others,” he said.
“I joined and supported library week as a way of encouraging people to return outstanding books without having to pay a fine.”
Southgate stressed the importance of returning outstanding books. “Books are expensive and it is very important for books to be returned so that they can be made available to others.”
In Ocean View, local schools and neighbourhood watch groups joined the local library in an awareness walk through the streets.
Ocean View librarian Natasha Arendse said they aimed to encourage residents to return books.
“We had our own march in the community,” she said. “Learners from the Kleinberg Primary School band and Marine Primary School joined us and our main message really is, return outstanding books.”
