The latest Fine Free Week – an amnesty period in which 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.
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.
Overdue items
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.
“We are grateful to everyone who took advantage of the amnesty period to return library material – thank you for heeding the call. The fines for overdue material are modest compared to the replacement cost, so please do the right thing. Fully stocked libraries benefit everyone,” added Higham.
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. Please reach out to your local facility for programme details,” concluded Higham.
