FOR more than a year Asherville Library on Tuilp Road has been operating without computers for public use which has become a major hindrance for residents and jobseekers in the area.

A community member who was visiting the library at the same time as the Berea Mail this week, said the municipal-run centre has had no computers for nearly two years.

“There was a break-in and the computers were stolen then. It was nearly two year ago, I believe,” said the resident. “It has been a frustrating situation for us residents because we have had no computers to use during this period. The WiFi is on and off as well which affects the kids who come here to do their homework as well as jobseekers who can go on the internet to job hunt.”

According to the City Asherville Library is equipped with computers that support library operations. Municipal spokesperson Mandla Nsele said, “Following security-related challenges at the facility, operational arrangements were implemented to ensure the protection of municipal assets, while allowing library services to continue without disruption. Measures are being taken to ensure that equipment is utilised appropriately, while safeguarding municipal assets.”

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When the Berea Mail visited Asherville Library there was a security guard on duty with municipal staff inside working. There were no computers inside and the WiFi was not working.

Nsele, who noted the “security-related challenges” at the library, said the staff is utilising a combination of manual and electronic record-keeping systems to ensure that book lending and renewals were accurately tracked.

“To mitigate these risks, the facility currently has a day security guard in place, as well as a security alarm system. The Municipality reiterates that Asherville Library’s digital systems are available, and there are no plans to discontinue their use,” added Nsele.

The problems highlighted at Asherville Library come at a time when a number of municipal libraries have been forced to shut their doors or are under threat of closure due to various issues. Among those that have been closed recently is Musgrave Library in 2025, due to lease/utility issues, and Windermere Library which closed in late 2024.

“With regard to the broader public library network, the eThekwini Municipality remains committed to providing library services to residents for many years to come. The City continues to explore sustainable ways to keep libraries operational, secure, and accessible, despite ongoing challenges,” said Nsele.

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