The Cape Town Central Library says its closing procedures were followed before the facility was locked up, after a nine-year-old boy was accidentally locked inside. 

Earlier this week, Caxton Network News reported that the boy had fallen asleep in the library last Thursday while waiting for his father to finish work at a nearby barbershop. 

According to the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), the boy woke up at 18:45 and screamed for help. 

The CCID was notified, and the boy was located and reunited with his father, who was waiting for him at the shop. 

Boy not noticed 

Mayoral committee member for community services and health Francine Higham explains that the library closes at 18:00 from Monday to Thursday. 

“In the lead-up to closing, staff conduct a walk-through of the four-level building and make announcements over the public address system between 17:30 and 17:55. These procedures were followed on the day, but regrettably the boy was not noticed before the building was closed.” 

Community concern 

Higham adds that they understand the concern raised by the incident and acknowledge that the circumstances were distressing. 

“We are grateful to the CCID and library staff. The situation was resolved safely, and the boy was reunited with his father. Our libraries across Cape Town are intended to be safe, welcoming spaces in every community. They are places where children and families can spend time and feel at ease.” 

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