Staff from libraries across the metropole joined the annual South Africa Library Week march last Friday
Image: Supplied
This week is South African Library Week, and the City's library services are encouraging residents to return overdue items fine-free until Sunday March 23
South African Library Week kicked off with its annual march on Friday March 20 in the city centre.
The City's community services and health portfolio chairperson Ronel Viljoen with mayco member Francine Higham at the march
Image: supplied
Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham, said: "Think of this as a library amnesty week. No questions asked and no penalties applied. We simply would like the more than 40 000 missing items back in circulation where they can benefit everyone in our community."
The missing items, valued at over R4.6 million, include much-needed children's books and study guides. Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series dominates the most-wanted list for another year, with 30 copies of Wrecking Ball alone waiting to find their way home.
The annual South Africa Library week march took place in the city centre.
Image: supplied
"Every returned book means another child gets to experience that story, or another student can prepare properly for exams. Returning these materials isn't about avoiding fines, it's about strengthening our community resources.
"We encourage all residents to help these outstanding books, CDs, DVDs and magazines find their way home."
Outstanding material can be returned at any of the City’s 102 libraries.