UMBILO library has been temporarily closed and readers are urged to return books to their nearest library during the closure.
Berea Mail was made aware of the sudden closure when avid readers popped into the library to find it was closed while the returns drop slot overflowed with books.
Rumours of the closure spread among patrons who believed the closure was due to #FeesMustFall protests that may have spread to libraries. An Umbilo granny who wished to remain anonymous said she was nervous about returning her books when the drop slot was overflowing and alarmed that no information was available to users of the popular library, which include retirees, learners and students last week.
However, when Berea Mail visited this week a notice had been put up stating: “The library is closed until further notice. you may return your books to Windermere, Musgrave, Beach, or the nearest library to you. Enquiries contact Skhumbuzo Nene on 031 3112495.”
A Grade 11 learner, Themba Shabangu from Flamingo Court who was reading the notice told Berea Mail he was very disappointed as he had planned to study at the library. “Exams are coming up and I was hoping to study. A lot of my friends also come here to study because it is quiet so they are all going to be unhappy,” he said.
Meanwhile Sibusiso Nduli a desperate job seeker once again returned to find the library closed. “I usually come to the library to read the papers and search for jobs on the internet. This is very disappointing as the library is very convenient as I live with my brother close by so I come past every other day hoping that it will open soon because there is no date when the library is going to open here,” he said.
EThekwini’s head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa confirmed Umbilo Library’s temporary closure while the City follows the necessary Supply Chain Management processes to lease the premises.
“There were outstanding documentation from the landlord that had to be submitted in order for the City to finalise its Supply Chain Management processes. There was no eviction order. We apologise to all library users for the inconvenience. In the meantime, library users have an option of leaving their books in the drop slot at Umbilo Library, they can also return them to Musgrave Library or any other Municipal Library nearest to them,” she explained.
Mthethwa said fines incurred during this period will be waived.
Ward councillor for Umbilo Mmabatho Tembe assured readers the the library should be reopened by before the end of this month after speaking to a Ethewini Library Services management. “It should take at least another two and a half weeks before the library is reopened,” she advised.
