Central Library Assistant Librarian, Nicole Smith, with the book that has been the talk of the town during the most recent Fine Free Week
Image: City of Cape Town.
The latest Fine Free Week where patrons can return overdue items without paying the accrued penalties, had librarians at the Central Library stumped when a book was returned 24 years after its due date.
The book, French Cinema by Roy Armes, covers the history of the French film industry, and was originally due for return on 8 March, 2001.
According to the City, the person who borrowed the book moved extensively both locally and internationally, and discovered the book while sorting through stored belongings and decided to return it during the library’s fine free week.
The book is no longer listed on the current library system, so there is no record of it, except the date sheet in the book.
“This is a historic return as its arguably one of the oldest books to find its way back during Fine Free Week. It’s not lost on us that the book itself is historical in nature. While it is still usable, restoration is not an option, but the patron has offered to buy the book, should it not be returning to the library’s shelves,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham.
Of the just over 40 000 overdue items, valued at over R4.6 million, 13 178 items found their way back to the shelves, valued at just over R1.6 million.
A number of wayward Wimpy Kids too found their way home.
The series, by author Jeff Kinney, dominates the list of outstanding items each year.
“The Library service will host a few more Fine Free Weeks throughout the year, which will hopefully yield some more overdue returns. For now, we shift our focus to the upcoming school holidays. Libraries will offer a range of activities to keep young minds engaged and entertained,” Higham said.
A list of programmes is available via: www.capetown.gov.za/holidayprogrammes
Cape Times