​Do you have an overdue City Library book and have been afraid to set foot in one of the City of Johannesburg's 89 libraries?

Worry not. You have until 28 March 2020 to return overdue books and not be liable for a hefty fine. In celebrating the annual South Africa Library Week in March, all the City's libraries have a fine-free period from 16 to 28 March 2020.

Last year, hundreds of book lovers took advantage of the fine amnesty and returned over 4 000 books and the City of Johannesburg is expecting more to take up the offer this year.

This means the librarians won't ask any questions about why your book is long overdue. You just need to return it and walk away. No fine will be imposed for keeping the books way longer than the due date.

The cherry on top is that defaulted memberships will be reinstated as well.

Last year, 4 049 books were returned and the City saved thousands of rand by not replacing the overdue books.

“Continuous holding of books leads to shortfalls and deprive others use. The rippling effect was felt mainly in poorer communities and brought libraries to an undesirable state. We want to avoid such situations," said City of Johannesburg's Libraries Head Nobuntu Mpendulo.

This year's fine-free period is to encourage the return of long overdue library books, and reduce the shortage of certain books in some libraries by reintroducing all overdue books back into circulation for the benefit of the community in large.