The Libraries and Information Services continues to expedite the opening of more libraries. Three more City of Cape Town libraries opened this week and an additional six will reopen next week as the department resumes in phases.
’There is a great demand for library services and while we are committed to opening more facilities as soon as possible, we have to ensure that it’s safe for everyone when we do so,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Earlier this week the Tokai, Hout Bay and Brackenfell libraries, reopened and next week, Monday, 24 August 2020, will see Bellville, Fisantekraal, Crossroads, Melton Rose, Rylands, Colin Eglin (Sea Point) libraries open with a drop and collect service.
‘We will have a total of 19 libraries opened with more to follow. Unfortunately, libraries will not yet be open for patrons to browse. This is a learning curve for Library Services and we request that communities bear with us as we negotiate this new way of working. The department is keen to open up libraries, but we are limited by the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Critically, any demand for PPE that is experienced by essential services is addressed first. For this reason we will continue to open in a phased approach,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Library Services is also guided by the directives issued by the National Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture and the service will be provided in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other applicable regulations.
‘Much appreciation is expressed to our friends; the Russian Consulate General, the Honorary Consulate of Vanuatu in South Africa and the Consulate General of Brazil who have donated concentrated hand wash, face masks and gloves. However, our appeal is an ongoing one and any support offered through the ‘Friends of Libraries’ groups will be appreciated. The assistance through donations will help to ensure that PPE to frontline staff is not affected while still working towards opening up more libraries with more services,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Patrons will be required to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations, including wearing masks and practising social distancing when dropping or collecting library materials.
The material returned will be quarantined for 72 hours before it is available on the system
Patrons can borrow 20 items for 30 days and can check the online library catalogue at opac.capetown.gov.za and submit requests for material at the open libraries via the OPAC, e-mail or telephonically.
Any registered library user can, with their membership number, access PressReader via the OPAC to unlock over 6 000 digital resources which includes the latest newspapers and magazines from around the world, courtesy of the City of Cape Town Library Services.
Libraries will call patrons with arrangements to collect the material requested. Patrons may also approach the library and request material without prior arrangements.
The service will be available from Monday to Saturday, with a special service for senior citizens (60 years and older) and patrons who are physically challenged from 09:00 – 10:00 Monday to Friday. All patrons are welcome to access the service from 10:00 – 16:00 daily during the week; while the Saturday service provision will be from 09:00 – 12:00.
No fines will be incurred on outstanding material during this time. The material borrowed for 30 days can be renewed online for an additional 30 days via the library catalogue or by calling one of the libraries that are operational.
The details of the nine libraries are as follows:
| Name of the Library | Physical Address | Telephone Number | Email Address |
| Tokai Library | Tokai Road, Tokai | 021 710 1480 | tokai.library@capetown.gov.za |
| Hout Bay Library | Melkhout Crescent, Hout Bay | 021 791 7660 | houtbay.library@capetown.gov.za |
| Brackenfell Library | Paradys Street, Brackenfell | 021 400 3806 | brackenfell.library@capetown.gov.za |
Opening on 24 August 2020
| Name of the Library | Physical Address | Telephone Number | Email Address |
| Fisantekraal Library | Corner Dullah Omar and Peter Mokaba Street, Fisantekraal | 021 444 9259 | fisantekraal.library@capetown.gov.za |
| Bellville Library | Carel van Aswegen Street, Bellville | 021 444 0300 | Bellville.library@capetown.gov.za |
| Rylands Library | Balu Parker Drive, Gatesville | 021 637 2220 | rylands.library@capetown.gov.za |
| Crossroads Library | Philippi Village, Cwangco Crescent, Philippi | 021 444 2533 | crossroads.library@capetown.gov.za |
| Melton Rose Library | Corner Fynbos and Melbos Street, Melton Rose | 021 444 0980 | meltonrose.library@capetown.gov.za |
| Colin Eglin, Sea Point Library | Civic Centre, corner Three Anchor Bay and Main Roads, Sea Point | 021 400 4184 | seapoint.library@capetown.gov.za |