George Libraries announce fine free week during Library Week
In celebration of South African Library Week from March 17–23, 2025, all libraries in George will be implementing a Fine Free Week, encouraging patrons to return overdue materials without incurring any late fees. This initiative aims to promote access to information and ensure that library resources remain available to all community members.
SA Library Week is an annual event dedicated to celebrating the vital role libraries play in fostering knowledge, promoting literacy, and preserving cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of libraries as inclusive spaces that offer learning opportunities, social engagement, and access to essential information. This year’s theme focuses on libraries contributing to sustainability and equality within communities, underlining their role in bridging the digital divide by providing internet access, technology, and digital literacy training.
According to Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries, Fine Free Week is designed to encourage library users to return overdue materials, ensuring that books and other resources can circulate freely to those who need them. With many people waiting for these materials, it is essential that publications are returned on time to facilitate equal access to information and recreational reading. She said “replacing unreturned items is costly, and by returning overdue materials, patrons help to maintain a well-stocked and accessible library system.”
She said George Libraries remain committed to serving as community hubs that empower individuals of all backgrounds. Libraries are centres of lifelong learning, supporting education, digital literacy, and social development. By removing the financial barrier of overdue fines during this special week, George Libraries hope to encourage more residents to re-engage with their local libraries and enjoy the many benefits they offer.
Residents are encouraged to visit their nearest George Library during SA Library Week to return overdue materials without penalties and explore the valuable resources available.
Library Week Programme
17 – 23 March 2025
Theme: “Libraries for Sustainable Communities”
George Library
Q-LIT Reading Circle
- Date: 17 March 2025
- Time: 19:00 – 21:30
- Venue: Reference Section, George Library
- Event: Discussion of “Out of Mind, A Story of Robben Island” by Barbara Townsend
- Additional Displays: Prints of Robben Island & “Human Rights” exhibition
Philately Exhibition
- Date: 17 – 22 March 2025
- Event: George Philately Society stamp collection display featuring themes like Anne Frank, Human Rights, and Christmas stamps
Alice and the Wonder of Philately
- Date: 19 March 2025
- Time: 11:00 – 13:00
- Venue: George Library
World Storytelling: Up with Downs
- Date: 20 March 2025
- Time: 14:00
- Venue: George Library – Children’s Section
Library Week Plan: Celebrating Reading and Community
- Date: 18 – 20 March 2025
Monday, 18 March 2025
- Time: 11:00 – 12:00
- Event: Life Community Visit
- Description: Storytelling and book-related activities for children
Tuesday, 19 March 2025
- 11:00 – 12:00: Eden Pre-Primary Visit – Library orientation & reading session
- 12:00 – 13:00: Klouterwoud Creche Visit – Interactive storytelling & exploration of the children’s section
Wednesday, 20 March 2025
- Time: 15:00
- Event: Môreson Children’s Home Visit
- Description: Reading session and book donation ceremony
Objectives:
- Promote reading and literacy among children
- Foster partnerships with local communities
- Showcase the library’s resources and services
Blanco Library
17 – 20 March 2025
- Friday, 14 March – School students visit the waterworks to learn about career opportunities
- 17 March – Storytime session for school children (15:00)
- 18 March – SPCA Puppet Theatre at Kingdom Kids & Born to Win (10:00)
- 20 March – Human Rights discussion with speaker Mona Olieslager
Pacaltsdorp Library
17 – 20 March 2025
- Library Week displays
- Afternoon reading programme for primary school learners (Monday, 14:30 – 15:30)
- Reading to Grade 1 pupils (19 March, 10:30 – 11:30)
- Book distribution to four creches (20 March, 10:00 – 13:00)
- Senior Citizens reading programme (20 March, 10:00 – 11:00)
Conville Library
17 – 20 March 2025 (Times TBD after stakeholder discussions)
- Writing short stories
- Recycling initiatives
- Gardening & compost-making workshops
- Eco-friendly habits competition
- Artwork from recyclable materials
- Fashion parade showcasing eco-friendly designs
Thembalethu Library
17 – 20 March 2025
| Date | Program | Target Group | Time |
| 14 March | Library Week Launch | All ages | 10:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00 |
| 17 March | Know Your Rights | Teenagers (High Schools) | 10:00 – 14:00 |
| 18 March | Storytelling | Crèche children | 10:00 – 12:00 |
| 19 March | “Know Your Rights” (Presenter: Mr. P Leholo, Robben Island Museum) | Youth | 11:00 – 13:00 |
| 20 March | Tea & storytelling | Senior Citizens & Children (7–12 years) | 11:00 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00 |
Uniondale Library
17 – 20 March 2025
| Date | Venue | Activity |
| 17 March | Mina Moo ECD & Kleine Handjies Kleuterskool | Dress as your favorite fairy tale character (09:00 – 10:00) |
| 18 March | Hansie & Grietjie Speelskool & Chris Nissen Kleuterskool | Book-inspired crafts & storytime (09:00 – 11:00) |
| 19 March | Uniondale Library | Celebrate patrons & Uniondale’s famous authors display (09:00 – 10:00) |
| 20 March | Uniondale Library | Story hour & block loans for ECDs (09:00 – 10:00) |
| 21 March | Public Holiday | No activities |