The City of Cape Town is asking matric candidates and other learners to make full use of free study materials at public libraries, and to return overdue guides so classmates can borrow them during the examination period. According to the Community Services and Health Directorate, more than 350 study guides remain outstanding.
What the City is offering
The City says its public libraries provide free study spaces, educational materials and digital resources to support learners throughout the academic year. Quiet study areas, study guides and reference materials for Grades 8 to 12 are available, along with past examination papers, textbooks and tutorials offered through the City's matric support programme.
Libraries also provide access to SmartCape computers and Wi-Fi, allowing learners to research online, reach educational resources and print documents.
Why returns matter now
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said the outstanding guides limit what other students can use while exams are under way. She asked anyone with a guide at home to bring it back, noting that the guides are available free of charge at City libraries.
The appeal follows the City's most recent Fine Free Week, held from 5 to 11 September 2026, which emphasised prompt returns of borrowed library materials. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series was the most returned book during that initiative.
Digital access for registered members
- E-books and audiobooks through the OverDrive platform or the Libby app on smart devices
- More than 7,000 local and international newspapers and magazines via the PressReader platform and app
The City describes these digital services as an extension of its physical collections, available to registered library members. Learners who are unsure how to access them are encouraged to contact their local public library.