Lack of internet causes loss of books at Birchleigh Library

Birchleigh Library still does not have internet access.

Additionally, the facility has not received any of the promised new books.

In November last year, the Kempton Express reported that the Birchleigh Library had been struggling to operate without internet for several months.

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Staff were forced to use their personal phones to conduct daily duties.

Friends of the Birchleigh Library committee member and secretary for Leerskring, Susan Wilsenach, said many of the facility’s books have been lost because librarians cannot access the system and see which books have not been returned.

Wilsenach said she did not understand how librarians were expected to do their jobs properly without the internet.

“It is not fair that librarians have to go out of their way and sometimes use their recourses to get their job done.”

She added that Birchleigh Library users often look for books at other libraries around Kempton Park because of consistent issues.

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The library has also not received any new books since 2020.

Library user James Tebele said a lack of internet had affected his studies. He added other library users, including job seekers, were affected.

The library at Coen Scholtz Hall faced a similar situation and had operated for months without internet.

Internet services at the facility were, however, restored recently.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini refuted claims that no new book had been delivered to Birchliegh Library.

“R2m was spent on buying new books for all our 47 libraries. ‘The control librarian for each library accesses the needs of the community and selects books according to allocated budgets,’’ he said.

He added that the orders had to be consolidated and CoE supply chain management processes had to be followed to purchase the required books.

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“After receiving the orders, all books are centrally processed and allocated to libraries. ‘The books are then ready for delivery to the libraries and library users.’’

Additionally, he said that the city had recently awarded a three-year tender to ensure that delays are eliminated in the procurement process.

“The city encourages patrons to make use of the needs identification system at the libraries to help us prioritise the types of books they require the most.’’

He said that the CoE has an agreement with UNISA to deliver deliver study material to selected libraries.