Libraries back in business with browsing service
09 November 2020
More than 80 percent of libraries have opened their doors for browsing as part of a phased-in approach to further roll out the service offering. In addition, limited two hour study sessions, as well as access to the internet via the SmartCape system, is provided on a first-come first-served basis at a number of libraries.
The City’s Library Service is gradually returning to a full service offering, with 87 of the facilities now allowing walk-ins and browsing after a week-long ‘dry run’ to ensure all operational directives are in place.
Staff at libraries will follow and enforce strict COVID-19 protocols, and it will remain the responsibility of every visitor to ensure their personal safety. Patrons are reminded to not visit the library if they exhibit any of the known symptoms of COVID-19, or feel unwell. Any person entering a library will be screened, and should they fail the screening test, they will unfortunately not be allowed inside.
‘We are pleased that patrons can once again walk the aisles of their favourite library in search of a book to read, or something new to learn. These are such treasured spaces, and it is good news to see the service come to life once more. Let’s keep the doors open by ensuring that everyone adheres to the rules of social distancing, regular handwashing and the wearing of masks. Keeping our library environment safe is a shared responsibility,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
All visitors are required to wear a mask, sanitise their hands and adhere to social distancing protocols.
Below is a list of libraries offering browsing, study space, SmartCape internet access and drop and collect services:
Libraries open for drop and collect, browsing, study access as well as SmartCape access:
Adriaanse, Athlone, Avondale, Belhar, Bellville, Bellville South, Bishop Lavis. Brooklyn, Bothasig, Brackenfell, Bridgetown, Brown’s Farm, Campsbay, Claremont, Central, Crossroads, Delft, Delft-South, Dunoon, Durbanville, Eersteriver, Eikendal, Elsies River, Fisantekraal, Fish Hoek, Grassy Park, Guguletu, Hanover Park, Harare, Huguenot Square, Kensington, Koeberg, Kraaifontein, Kuyasa. Lansdowne, Langa, Leonsdale, Lotus River, Macassar, Maitland, Mamre, Manenberg, Masiphumelele, Meadowridge, Melton Rose, Milnerton, Moses Mabhida, Muizenberg, Nyanga, Ocean View, Ottery, Parow, Philippi East, Pinelands, Retreat, Rondebosch, Rylands, Colin Eglin Sea Point, Scottsdene, Simonstown, Southfield, Strandfontein, Strand, Suider-Strand, Table View, Mitchell’s Plain Town Centre, Valhalla Park, Vredehoek, Westridge, Woodstock and Wesfleur
Libraries open for Drop and Collect only
Goodwood, Gordon’s Bay, Lentegeur, Kommetjie, Mowbray, Pelican Park Satellite, Plumstead, Rocklands, Somerset West and Weltevreden
Libraries open for Drop and Collect and browsing only
Edgemead, Khayelitsha site B, Kulani, Masakhane and Tygervalley
Libraries open for Drop and Collect, browsing and SmartCape access
Lwandle/Hector Pietersen, Kloofstreet, Kuilsriver, PD Paulse, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Tokai and Wynberg
Libraries open for Drop and Collect, browsing and study access only
Bonteheuwel, Heideveld, Hout Bay and Nazeema Isaacs
Libraries open for Drop and Collect, Study and SmartCape access only
Hangberg, Mfuleni and Tafelsig
The following operating hours will apply:
Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00 and Saturday 09:00-12:00.
Loan period – 30 days
Renewal – one renewal for additional 30 days
Borrowing privileges – 20 items including five audio-visual items (CDs/DVDs)
No reservations or inter-library loans will be done at present
Patrons and visitors are requested to acquaint themselves with the capacity limits for each of the services by accessing the information on the Online Public Catalogue (OPAC) at https://opac.capetown.gov.za/client/en_US/a/
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
