The Yeoville Library will now be open on Sundays, during the examination periods.
The decision was taken following demands from the community members who are not able to use the library during the day.
“The department is responding to the call made by the communities for extended hours, especially during the examination period. An announcement was made by the mayor in State of the City Address of 2017 that 11 regional libraries will extend operational hours to accommodate those community members who require services after hours,” said MMC of Community Development Clr Nonhlanhla Sifumba.
In July 2017, 11 libraries started extending operational hours on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm.
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“The Sunday opening during this period is therefore an implementation of the next phase of extended hours,” said Sifumba.
Yeoville forms part of the 10 special dispensation after-hours librarians who were appointed to the Community Development Department’s Library and Information Services (LIS) directorate using grant funding.
From May 19 to June 30, the Yeoville Library will be open to the public on Sundays from 9am to 3pm.
“The directorate has received funds from the City’s Department of Economic Development, which enabled LIS to contract 90 EPWP trainees for both e-learning and extended hours.
“The libraries will be providing limited services during this period due to the resources available for each library. To support the students and learners during this period, LIS will provide study space and reference services only,” explained Sifumba.
She said they have ensured that there is enough security during the extended hours.
“All facilities opening on Sundays will have security personnel. Over and above, all these facilities have alarm systems with 24-hour armed response and we have also requested JMPD to conduct regular patrols to ensure the safety of staff and patrons,” said Sifumba.
Library user Sipho Ndaba said he is happy about the extension of the library hours.
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“I’m not able to come to the library during the day because I work and also study. I need to do my assignments and by the time I come back from work, the library is about to close, leaving little time to do my assignments. But as it is now open on Sundays, I’m able to utilise the services. I hope people will also use this opportunity,” said Ndaba.
