Please return overdue books and we won’t fine you, City Library tells residents

07 March 2017

 

If you have been avoiding the library like the plague because of overdue books that carry a hefty fine, stress no more.

 

From Saturday March 18 to Saturday April 1, you can return the books without having to answer embarrassing questions or being asked to pay a stiff fine.

 

As part of the National Library Week celebrations, the City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Service has declared March 18 to April 1 a fine-free period.

 

Library and Information Services Director Nobuntu Mpendulo has urged all library users to return all overdue books to the nearest library, saying “there will be no fines to be paid and no questions asked”.

 

Mpendulo says upon return of overdue books one’s membership could be renewed on request. “The City has a network of 87 libraries whose sole mandate is to develop an informed and educated nation because a reading nation is a winning nation,” she said.

 

Each year in March, libraries across the country host special programmes to highlight the services and resources they provide.

 

“This is an amnesty for all Johannesburg residents who have forgotten to return library books in time. The City is saying we should let bygones be bygones as we wipe the slate clean and start afresh. So, all that needs to happen is for residents to bring back what belongs to the City and all will be forgiven,” she says.

 

She says the 15-day amnesty encourages more people to visit the libraries. “We also encourage people to come to our libraries to experience the various programmes and services we are offering. We have reading programmes for the early childhood development, literacy practice for adults and internet access for the community,” says Mpendulo. 

 

Library Week was first celebrated in May 1998 by the South African Institute of Library and Information Service to promote the culture of reading. In 2003 the week was moved to March.

 

“Being able to read is the most basic survival skill. Libraries know how to get kids hooked on books. Storytelling sessions take place daily.

 

“Most public libraries offer free pre-school story-hour programmes. Learning to use technology to access information is crucial. Although many people don’t own a personal computer, no parent is too poor to give their child the key to technology – a library card. Libraries provide a great alternative to video games and television,” add Mpendulo.