Children who have long overdue items from any of the City’s libraries can return their books and magazines without any fines during a special Children’s Amnesty Week from 1 to 8 June.

​More than 25 000 items are currently outstanding from patrons aged 12 and under.

‘I am delighted that children are excited about books and enjoy reading so much, that they don’t want to let go of the stories that have captured their imagination. It’s a joy we want to share with all our other young patrons and I want to encourage them to return their overdue items, without incurring any fines,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

More than 140 titles in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series are outstanding and they make up nearly a third of the top 30 titles that are oustanding. 

Most of the other titles in the top 30 are fairy tales and four Afrikaans titles.

​​‘When you return your items, you can take out new books and embark on fresh adventures. Reading helps improve your vocabulary and grammar skills, and enhances reading with comprehension. Every new book is an opportunity to grow and learn,’ said Councillor Van der Ross.

Apart from the fine free initiative, a number of City libraries will host activities to mark the occasion, including:

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