The City of Cape Town’s libraries are expected to resume services in phases starting with seven facilities on Monday July 13.
The reopening will be done in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and other applicable directives.
Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Dr Zahid Badroodien, said: “We know that people are keen to visit libraries and our staff will do their best to comply with the demand for library services. However, we request that communities bear with us as we endeavour to safeguard our staff and patrons during this challenging time.”
During the first phase the staff of seven libraries will return and will introduce a drop and collect service in a manner which is safe for both patrons and staff.
The libraries are Central Library, Wesfleur, Strand, Harare, Mitchells Plain Town Centre, Fish Hoek and Parow.
However, library materials from any library in the City can be dropped at these seven libraries. The material returned will be quarantined for 72 hours, and will thus remain on the patron’s card for this period, before it is handled by library staff and returned on the system.
Additionally, patrons will be allowed to borrow 20 items at a time for 30 days. This new quota was introduced to enable library patrons to borrow more items for a longer period of time.
The service will be available from Monday to Saturday, while a special service for senior citizens and patrons, who are physically challenged, will be provided from 9am to 10am from Monday to Friday.
