Libraries are offering a fine-free week for young patrons from Monday 16 to Saturday 21 December, during which libraries will also launch the Eco-Warrior Reading Programme.
The fine-free week will allow patrons up to the age of 17 the opportunity to return library materials. There are 280 books outstanding for this age category valued at more than R30 000.
“Our fine-free weeks have shown good results in the past,” said Mayco member for Community Services and Health Patricia van der Ross, “and we are hoping for similar outcomes this time around. I encourage our young people to exploit this opportunity and return those books that they have forgotten about, with no fines payable in this period. I also want to encourage learners to please return any study guides or materials that they used during the exams, so that we can start the new year with everything back where it belongs, and accessible to other patrons.”
For the love of reading
The Eco-warrior Reading Programme is a collaboration among City Libraries, Urban Waste Management, Nal’ibali and Read to Rise for children aged 9 to 13. The programme started on Tuesday 17 December and runs until Friday 31 January 2025.
It aims to promote environmental awareness, encourage reading and foster a love for nature, while also addressing the so-called “summer reading slump”.
Research shows children can lose between two and three months of reading progress during the holiday periods, primarily due to the lack of engagement with books and other reading material.
The reading programme will address climate change in several ways by offering the following:
- Environmental education – reading of short stories that highlight eco-conscious themes.
- Exciting activities – crafts that encourage eco-friendly habits and address causes and effects linked to climate change.
- Climate action – the programme inspires learners to take action in their communities by making conscious choices in their daily lives through the various eco-challenges.
- Creativity – learn to turn trash into treasure through creative recycling activities
- Fun while learning – meet the awesome Mascots LiBee, Bingo and Oaky who will guide participants on their eco-journey in the activity booklet.
Children who participate in the programme will receive an activity booklet, which will serve as their guide throughout the programme. Participants can collect the activity booklet at their local library and do the fun activities at home or they can participate at the library. On completing the booklet participants stand a chance to win a super-cool goodie bag.
“The Eco-Warrior Reading Programme is a unique initiative that combines reading, environmental education and climate action,” added Van der Ross. “This programme will motivate young people to read and learn; reading also improves writing skills. We would like to encourage our young people to visit the nearest library and get involved, so that they can reap the benefits in the future.”
