Libraries to start offering limited study and SmartCape access

01 October 2020

Statement by the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien

The City of Cape Town’s Library and Information Service will expand its service offering from 5 October 2020 at some of its facilities.

This follows an assessment of available space and what’s possible in terms of COVID-19 regulations.

While browsing for books is still not permitted, many libraries will now start allowing a limited number of students into libraries for 2-hour study sessions on a first-come first-served basis, as well as access to the internet via the SmartCape system, limited to a 45-minute session per user – also on a first come, first served basis.

Unfortunately our study spaces are not expansive, so the number of students will be limited to what can be accommodated in terms of the regulations under Alert Level 1 of the National Disaster Management Act.

Library halls are currently being used to quarantine material that is returned, so the spaces available in libraries are extremely limited as a result.

Any person entering a library will be screened and will be required to wear a mask, sanitise their hands, and adhere to social distancing protocols.

The Drop and Collect service will continue for borrowing library materials.

The City is working within a series of limitations, and request that our patrons exercise patience, as we seek new and effective ways to provide the required services within the current climate.

A detailed breakdown of Library Service operations is available below:

Study sessions with effect from 5 October 2020
Limited seats as per COVID-19 regulations

Three sessions per day, with 15 minutes between sessions to allow for cleaning and sanitising of surfaces

Session one – 09:00 to 11:00
Session two – 11:15 to 13:15
Session three – 13:30 to 15:30

Each library to implement an access control process.

SmartCape access with effect from 5 October 2020
Limited seats as per COVID-19 regulations

Session: 45 minutes, with 15 minutes between sessions to allow for cleaning and sanitising of surfaces

Each library to implement an access control process.

Services available at respective libraries:

SERVICE OFFERING	LIBRARIES
Drop and Collect for library materials Study access SmartCape access	Adriaanse, Avondale, Belhar, Bellville, Bellville South, Bishop Lavis, Bothasig, Brackenfell, Brown's Farm, Central, Claremont, Crossroads, Delft, Delft South, Dunoon, Durbanville, Eersteriver, Eikendal, Elsies River, Fisantekraal, Fish Hoek, Grassy Park, Gugulethu, Hangberg, Harare, Huguenot Square, Kensington, Koeberg, Kraaifontein, Kuyasa, Leonsdale, Lwandle (Hector Pietersen), Macassar, Mamre, Manenberg, Masiphumelele, Melton Rose, Mfuleni, Milnerton, Moses Mabhida, Muizenberg, Nyanga, Ocean View, Ottery, Parow, Philippi East, Pinelands, Retreat, Scottsdene, Sea Point, Simon's Town, Southfield, Strand, Strandfontein, Suiderstrand, Table View, Tafelsig, Town Centre, Valhalla Park, Vredehoek, Wesfleur, Westridge, Woodstock
Drop and Collect for library materials Study access	Bonteheuwel and Hout Bay
Drop and Collect for library materials SmartCape access	Bridgetown, Hanover Park, Kloof Street, Kuils River, Pelican Park, Sir Lowry's Pass, Tokai, Wynberg
Drop and Collect for library materials	Edgemead/Monte Vista, Gordon's Bay, Kommetjie, Kulani, Lansdowne, Lentegeur, Maitland, Masakhane, Meadowridge, Mowbray, P D Paulse, Plumstead, Rylands, Site B, Khayelitsha, Tygervalley, Weltevreden
No service due to closure as a result of vandalism or repairs/maintenance	Athlone, Bloubergstrand, Brooklyn, Camps Bay, Goodwood, Heideveld, Langa, Lotus River, Nazeema Isaacs, Observatory, Ravensmead, Rocklands, Rondebosch, Somerset West

Library operating hours

Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 16:00 and Saturdays, 09:00 - 12:00

Loan services

Loan period – 30 days
Renewal – 1 renewal for additional 30 days
Borrowing privileges – extended: 20 items including 5 audio-visual items (CDs/DVDs) and regrettably no reservations or inter-library loans

Drop and Collect - ongoing

DROP: public can drop returned library material at the drop zone by following the social distance demarcation and notices.
COLLECT: public can submit the request via e-mail and telephonically to be collected after two days or sooner, depending on workload and communication with the patron.
WALK IN REQUEST: public can approach the library and request library items which will be provided if possible there and then.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

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