The City of Cape Town’s libraries will celebrate National Book week from 6 to 12 September with a call for patrons to return overdue items without being fined.
‘The Books of our Lives is the theme this year and it seeks to remind us how books impact our lives. Books guide and teach, they take us back into history and into the future and help us understand and make sense of the world around us. National Book Week is an opportunity for patrons to return any outstanding items, without the concern of having to pay fines,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Currently 20 131 items are overdue from the City’s 102 service points, which includes three satellite libraries.
‘The pandemic and different lockdown levels have meant our libraries were not always open and patrons could not access the facilities freely. I want to encourage patrons to return any items they may have that are overdue. The value of the outstanding material is a whopping R1 848 739. These are items which can bring information and relaxation to many others, so I urge patrons to visit their nearest library during this week,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
The top overdue items are fairy tales and mathematical literacy study guides for Grade 12.
‘I’m glad parents are reading to their children or the younger patrons are so excited about reading. However, we want many more of our patrons to enjoy these magical fairy tales. Study materials are in high demand, especially this time of year and I want to urge students and learners to return items so as many as possible can access it. Our libraries are for everyone and we have limited resources to replace any lost items,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
The most overdue items and the number outstanding across City libraries are:
Cinderella 29
Little Red Riding Hood 28
Double down 27
The getaway 22
Mathematical literacy. Grade 12, [study guide] : notes and worked examples, questions per topic, detailed answers with explanations 21
The meltdown 21
Alice in Wonderland 20
Animals 20
Jack and the beanstalk 20
South Africa commemorates National Book Week during the first week of September annually.
It is an initiative of the South African Book Development Council (SABDC) in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture.
The commemoration coincides with International Literacy Day on 8 September.
‘Every initiative which encourages reading and its value as a fun and pleasurable activity is important. We often extol the benefits of reading and it can easily become a part of your daily life. Read as much as you can, read to your children and encourage them to read widely. Start by visiting your library today,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
All City libraries are open and patrons are reminded that Covid-19 hygiene protocols will be enforced.
Patrons are requested to wear masks and social distance while inside libraries.
Source: City Of Cape Town
