All 48 public libraries in Ekurhuleni are now fully operational; however, these facilities have not been immune to the impact of the pandemic.
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 municipality partially reopen the City’s valuable resource, but with minimum services and staff, to reduce workers’ exposure to Covid-19.
Strict protocols are still in place for the use of the facilities and limited numbers of users are allowed into the buildings at a time.
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.
Also read: Learner rejoices at opening of library
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, 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.
Also read: Renovations at library almost complete
Opening hours may vary from one town to another, but the Springs Library opens its doors between 09:00 and 16:30 Monday to Friday.
The library closes around midday on Friday to allow service providers to decontaminate the facility.
For more information about the library services, call the Springs Library on 011 999 8806 or email info.libraries@ekurhuleni.gov.za
The public is encouraged to return borrowed books.
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