Once a place of learning and leisure, the former premises of the Brakpan library can now be compared to something out of a horror novel.
The Brakpan Herald reported in October 2018 how the building, situated along Park Street, had fallen siege to vagrants and vandals after the new library opened the previous year.
After being vacated, the premises were allocated as office space for municipal staff.
Years later, little to nothing has been done to safeguard it. It seems it will only be a matter of time before nothing is left of the treasured old building, which has been declared a heritage site.
Accompanied by officers from Secure Tech Security, the Herald visited the old library last Thursday and found it defiled.
ALSO READ: How many after-school activities are too many?
It has fallen into complete disrepair, with most windows smashed or the glass completely removed. An unlocked security gate at the entrance, which has no doors, does little to keep intruders at bay.
The floors are awash with rubble, trash, dirty clothes, human excrement, broken glass and other filth, producing an overwhelming stench. Ceiling boards, door frames and anything else of value are removed.
There is a gaping hole in the wall of what was once the main library section and the children’s and reference sections are just shells, with even the carpeting having been ripped up.
The floor in the passage leading to the back of the building has also been dug up.
“It saddens me to see the library in the state it currently finds itself in, but does not come as a surprise,” said Ward 97 Clr Brandon Pretorius.
“After the new library opened its doors in 2017 and officially by the previous administration’s mayor in 2018, concerns were raised about the safety and upkeeping of the old library, noting that it is indeed a heritage site.
“On the same day of the opening of the new library, the mayor and I visited the site of the old Brakpan library to raise not only my concerns but also the concerns of the broader community about the heritage site.
“On numerous occasions, different organisations and individuals from the community engaged with the city to lease the property from the city.
“The main driving point for a large majority of these approaches was mainly to conserve the status of the property.
“The city would, however, always have the same response in stating that it would not be available for leasing as it would shortly become municipal office space, which has never materialised.
“I have written to the now responsible MMC and oversight committee for their intervention and assistance.
“I am of the view that the new administration should strongly consider leasing the property. Realistically I do not see the building being utilised for municipal use and would suggest that the city takes any help offered in preserving the heritage site.
“I will be driving this matter with the department to ensure the best outcome for the building. I have already requested a site visit with the department and will keep the community updated as the process unfolds.
“There is no benefit in progress if we cannot preserve what we already have.”
• History
In early 1920, the municipal employees of Brakpan approached the council to establish a library and offered £10 000 to start the project. The council also contributed £10 000.
A small room was set aside in the municipal office and one of the clerks from the town clerk’s office was delegated to handle the lending and return of books.
At this stage, only councillors and employees could borrow books. By 1922, the library already had 420 books on its shelves and the council decided that certain citizens could also become members.
Council then returned the £10 000 to the employees’ association and thanked them for their assistance.
ALSO READ: The pros and cons of public versus private schooling
As a result of the demand that arose, in 1923 the council made a request to the Carnegie Institute for its support in establishing a proper public library in the town.
A further request, again without success, was made in 1925 with the completion of the town hall. In the town hall, provision has been made for a library in the northeast corner of the building.
Mr IM Sobey was appointed part-time caretaker of the library, which was open to the public. Within a few years, it became clear that bigger and better facilities were needed and in 1932 the construction of the library began.
On its completion in 1933, Mrs Willey was the first librarian.
(Source: The Brakpan Story by Selby Webster)
