With the finalisation of the City’s 2023/24 budget, the Community Services and Health Directorate is proposing a capital spend of more than R32 million on upgrades, additional equipment and resources for our Library and Information Services (LIS).

One of the most exciting projects pencilled into the new budget is the expansion of the Lwandle Community Library, for the benefit of the community. The project, if the budget is approved, will amount to more than R13 million.

Additionally, LIS will acquire books, periodicals and subscriptions to the value of nearly R11 million, with a similar amount to be spent on the procurement of replacement and additional computers and IS&T equipment.

Our excitement about these future plans is tempered only by the continuous wave of theft and vandalism, directed at our community facilities, including our libraries.

In the past week, three facilities were burgled.

On 10 May, thieves broke into the Bellville Library via the basement into the reference section. They damaged the photocopy machine and stole one coin box.

On the same evening or early morning, Harare Library was burgled and several doors were damaged.

All the computers in both workrooms, at the circulation desk, the office of the librarian in charge and some of the SmartCape computers were stolen.

The thieves also ransacked offices in what was the second burglary at Harare this year.

At Weltevreden Library, the criminals gained access via a small window in the children’s section and stole a fan heater and two adaptors.

These brazen attacks on our facilities occurred despite alarm systems, fencing, burglar bars, and security gates.

It is our communities who suffer as children are not able to access the necessary resources for school projects or assignments, while older patrons are unable to search for job opportunities. 

While the cost of these losses are yet to be calculated, it is money that could have been spent on more computers or material.

Our libraries are at the heart of communities, but it’s being chipped away by criminals.

Their reputation as safe spaces for learning and relaxation is being eroded. 

All three libraries are open, but the thefts mean some services are limited. 

We have identified additional security measures for 2023/24 and this will include new and improved fencing, security gates and burglar bars at a number of libraries.

The details and cost are still being determined.

While the City is doing its part to ensure facilities for all, I call on our communities to help us keep our facilities safe. We cannot do it alone.

Be our eyes and ears. Report any suspicious behaviour to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.