Reading returns to Rondebosch Library
03 November 2020
One of the oldest libraries in Cape Town reopened this week after being closed for more than 16 months due to extensive renovations. Patrons can partake in the ‘drop and collect’ service currently offered by most of the City’s libraries due to COVID-19.
The City’s Library and Information Service closed the doors of the Rondebosch Library in April 2019, signalling the start of renovations and upgrades totalling more than R4 million.
The expected completion date had to be extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rondebosch library is housed in the well-known Rondebosch Town Hall built in 1898. The library became part of the original Town Hall building in 1907 and is home to some 80 000 books.
The work was carried out in consultation with a heritage architect to ensure compliance with the aesthetics and history of the building, and included:
Replacing the asbestos roof with Italian slate tiles, which included the full restoration of the coupler
Major repairs to an interior wall, which showed serious damage over the years due to roof leaks
Repair work to underlying brickwork and plastering in other areas of the library
Repairing of woodwork , which entailed some intricate work around the internal window frames and architraves
An entire repaint of the interior, except the high ceiling in the main area.
Certain electrical work to ensure compliancy
Replacing the entire facility’s carpet
Repairing certain areas of the flooring that was broken. The library has a wooden, suspended floor.
Replacing all vinyl areas at the facility
‘It has been a long wait, but it has been worth it. Many of the City’s libraries are grand old dames that require quite a bit of TLC to ensure that they look their best, and are able to continue serving the public. Rondebosch is no exception, and we can’t wait for the return of full-scale services so that the loyal patrons may see and experience the investment that the City has made in the space.
‘We encourage patrons to invest in the space too, by helping us look after it, as well as the many thousands of resources that fill the shelves. The City hopes that the Library and Information Service will soon be able to extend its service offering to allow browsing at some libraries. Our phased in approach allows us to plan and take all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our staff, patrons and visitors during these challenging times,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Patrons of the Rondebosch Library can make use of the drop and collect service. The library also caters for limited study and SmartCape capacity due to the Alert Level 1 regulations.
For a list of relevant information on the service offering at city libraries, please go to https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Libraries/Rondebosch%20Public%20Library
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
