New chapter for Tygervalley and Plumstead Libraries

14 June 2023

The new lease agreements will start on 1 July 2023 and will be valid for two years.

During the latter part of 2021, the City took a decision to delimit all external leases due to the Covid-19 pandemic's significant negative impact on revenue.

Because Tygervalley and Plumstead libraries were located in malls with an external lease each, Council on 15 December 2021 made a decision not to renew the leases of these two libraries. 

The decision was reviewed in part due to stakeholder feedback, as well as robust negotiations with the property management teams of both businesses.

The Library and Information Services Department is pleased that patrons will continue to have an uninterrupted service in the two respective areas.

'Patrons would be glad to know that both libraries will be open for business following a Council decision to enter into new lease agreements. The City's Libraries and Information Services had various engagements with interested parties following requests to retain the services on offer by the two libraries. While Tygervalley Library is one of the top performing libraries with regards to circulation figures both libraries are important knowledge centres visited frequently by patrons and residents. The decision to enter into a two-year lease agreement is testament to the City's commitment to service delivery.' said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

The Plumstead Library in Cecil Road originally opened its doors in 1995 and today has 1 024 patrons. The library is home to more than 28 100 books.  

Tygervalley Library has 4 610 patrons on the books. The library will be 35 years old this year.

Leased properties will not be a basis for the closure of library facilities going forward. 

Tygervalley: Lower Level, Tygervalley Centre, Bellville, email: tygervalley.library@capetown.gov.za, tel no: 021 400 3451

Plumstead: The Village Square, Yudelman's Lane, off Main Road, email: plumstead.library@capetown.gov.za, tel no: 021 814 1231/2

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office