Libraries are all fully operational

All 48 public libraries in Ekurhuleni are now fully operational; however, these facilities have not been immune to the impact of the pandemic. Strict protocols are still in place for the use of the facilities and limited numbers of users allowed into the buildings at a time. The pandemic saw libraries throughout the country shut

November 30, 2021

Fanie Mthupha 2 minutes read

Amoré Randall, of Boksburg North, is among the Boksburg Library users. She is seen reading a children’s book, titled Happy Birthday Jamela! by Niki Daly. According to her parent, Amoré started reading books extensively at an early age before becoming a veritable bookworm.

All 48 public libraries in Ekurhuleni are now fully operational; however, these facilities have not been immune to the impact of the pandemic.

ALSO READ: Mobile library promotes the culture of reading in ekasi

Strict protocols are still in place for the use of the facilities and limited numbers of users allowed into the buildings at a time.

The pandemic saw libraries throughout the country shut down in-person operations, negatively impacting students and families who are reliant on libraries as places to study and access vital resources.

However, the gradual easing of lockdown measures has seen the metro partially reopen the City’s valuable resource, but with minimum services and staff, to reduce workers’ exposure to Covid-19.

The good news is, as things stand, all of the City’s libraries are now fully operational with all their employees back at their workplace, so they can improve the delivery of services.

The Advertiser recently visited the Boksburg Library, and librarians at the centre confirmed they have reopened almost all of the important services the City’s libraries offer.

The wearing of mask and social distancing rules ares are non-negotiable at the City’s public libraries.

Services include:
• Borrowing items, such as books, CDs and DVDs.
• Reference service, inter-library loan, access to the internet (Wi-Fi hot spot), auxiliary services, information services, study facilities, mobile library buses, business corners and many others.
• Online or virtual library services, such as digital and audiobook circulation, as well as the services provided in the libraries’ reference, senior and junior sections.

Safety measures
• The facilities are decontaminated at least twice a week, which includes ‘fogging’, disinfection and deep-cleaning.
• Both staff and patrons are scanned and sanitised at the entrance, and the facilities have made sanitiser sufficiently available for people to use frequently. The wearing of a mask and social distancing rules are enforced.
• Have reduced capacity to allow everyone more space to enjoy their visit.
• Returned books are placed in a quarantine room before they find their place back on the shelves – where they are ready to be issued to borrowers.

Library hours
Opening hours may vary from one town to another, but the Boksburg Library, for example, opens its doors between 09:00 and 16:30 Monday to Friday.

The library closes for an hour on Friday and Monday (mostly around midday) to allow the service providers to decontaminate the facility.

For more information about the library services contact your respective library directly or email info.libraries@ekurhuleni.gov.za

The public is encouraged to return borrowed books.

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