Bellville Library to offer limited services

03 February 2023

The change in operations comes after a spate of vandalism incidents left the ventilation system damaged beyond repair, resulting in occupational health and safety risks.

The facility was originally fitted with an industrialised air conditioning system as there are no other natural means for the facility to obtain air flow, including oxygen.

The specialised system also regulates the temperature in the building.

However, repeated acts of vandalism have damaged the system to the extent that it cannot function without repairs – this is the second such incident since 2021.

After the first incident, the library was closed for approximately four months while repairs were under way.

Now the facility finds itself in a similar situation, and so a decision has been made to scale back services until the ventilation system can be fixed.

'This is a most unfortunate situation, but we simply cannot expect staff and patrons to endure the extreme heat affecting the building. While the library closed entirely during the first instance that the ventilation system was damaged; this time round, systems have been put in place to ensure that patrons can still access library materials, similar to the operational approach that was taken when libraries started reinstating services after the pandemic. I appreciate the measures that have been put in place by library management to keep some measure of functionality going, in spite of the trying circumstances. I also want to appeal to our patrons to please bear with us while we resolve this issue. Unfortunately there are no firm time frames at the moment, but we will endeavour to complete the repairs as soon as possible, so that library operations can resume as normal,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

From 8 February 2023, the Bellville Library will provide limited services and these include:

Drop and collect
Telephone and email renewals
Inter library loans
Holds
Hall bookings

These services will be rendered during the following amended hours:

Mondays - Fridays: 09:00 – 16:30

Saturdays: 09:00 – 13:00

'The cost linked to vandalism and theft from July to December 2022 surpassed R2 million which includes R1 million on security. These crimes force the closure of libraries, depriving our patrons of much needed resources, a place to study and recreational space. I want to encourage residents to report vandalism and suspicious acts.

'We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and we hope to offer the full complement of services as soon as possible. The City will ensure the repairs are completed within a reasonable time-frame,' said Councillor Van der Ross.

For further information on vandalism at City libraries, please go to: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Media-and-news/Libraries%20bear%20the%20brunt%20of%20burglaries%20and%20vandalism

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office