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The City of Cape Town’s Library and Information Services (LIS) plans to spend more than R40 million during the new financial year, after the approval of the budget at a full sitting of council at the end of May.

‘Our libraries budget is intended to prioritise learning and recreation. Our young people can use this valuable resource to study, research and improve their knowledge. Libraries remain a valuable space for learning, which is why we’re investing in refurbishments and additional resource allocation,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.

Through 47 Capital Ward Allocation Projects, libraries will be receiving additional reading resources and equipment. The budget will cover the cost of the planning phase of the much-anticipated relocation of the Nyanga and Manenberg Libraries.

This project is still in the planning phase and more details will be made available later in the new financial year. The Nyanga and Manenberg Libraries are being planned during the 2019/20 financial year and it is envisaged that the infrastructure investment will take place during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years. 

Below are some of the capital projects included in this budget:

The City will also spend just under R12 million on reading materials including books, magazines, newspapers and e-resource subscriptions to ensure that the City’s libraries have attractive and appealing reading material to engage all library patrons.
SmartCape provides free WiFi around Cape Town, helping to bridge the digital divide and empowering learners. It gives them access to the internet so that job seekers can build their CVs and look for work opportunities or do research to further their education. The SmartCape service was piloted at libraries in 2002 and has since expanded across the city.

Users have access to online resources such as Encyclopaedia Britannica and PressReader, which includes access to the latest research and information as well as the world's best magazines and newspapers.

Libraries that are due to receive new or replacement materials:

Kraaifontein, Brackenfell, Scottsdene, Bellville South, Belhar, Site B Khayelitsha, and Westridge will receive furniture and equipment. Browns Farm in Philippi will receive furniture, equipment and books. Philippi East will receive books and equipment. These are some of the libraries receiving additional or replacement resources in this coming financial year.
Other City libraries will receive more than R7 million for proactive maintenance and additional services will include the provision of new Wi-Fi connections to allow readers to enjoy the e-resources provided by library services.

‘The budget also provides for library upgrades and maintenance during the second half of the financial year, new Wi-Fi connections, services and the acquisition of reading material to appeal to young and old alike. Libraries are unique and valuable resources,’ said the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

'Libraries are cornerstones of a healthy community and they give users an equal opportunity to find jobs, explore medical research, broaden their imagination and the chance to get lost in amazing stories. Libraries are the heart of our communities. They provide invaluable resources, encourage knowledge and support learning. The money spent on these facilities is an investment into the education and empowerment of communities,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Note to broadcasters: audio clips are available for download
For English: https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/200192706-plato-libbudget
https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/20192706-badroodien-libbudget

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