After months of closure due to Covid-19 lockdown, most libraries in the City of Ekurhuleni have partially re-opened their doors to the public, but with the ongoing risk of coronavirus, these facilities have had to adapt to the “new normal”.
According to the Ekurhuleni metro, to be compliant with the Covid-19 regulations, management and their teams worked hard to plan for how to best keep clients and staff safe while providing quality services to the public.
The Boksburg Library shed some light on how its facility operates, and what measures they have put in place to keep everyone safe.
The “new normal” for libraries:
Study carrels are open to students, but there is a certain number of students allowed at a time to ensure social distancing.
• To avoid unnecessary touching or physical contact, the public cannot walk in and fetch books or other materials from the shelves themselves. You can either phone or email the library to request books. The librarians will then select the books and put them together for you to come and collect in a designated area at an arranged time.
• When returning books, patrons are required to deposit them in a drop box and those books are put in quarantine for at least seven days before they are cleaned and put back on the shelves.
• Due to logistics and the risk of exposure, no computer facilities can be used. Patrons can, however, use their own devices in the study facility through Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Virtual libraries: These online platforms, including Libby, a virtual library, allow readers to borrow e-books to read on their computers and digital devices for up to 14 days. The system will thereafter automatically retrieve the book for other users to access it.
Repairs to Boksburg Library ceiling finalised
The metro has also announced that contractors have finally completed works to repair the damaged section of the Boksburg Library. This came almost a year after the originally set completion date.
The library’s adult section remained closed for almost two years after the roofing structure collapsed during the heavy summer rains in early 2019.
Although the renovated facility is now ready for full service, the metro pointed out that due to Covid-19 restrictions, the section is also not yet operating as expected in normal circumstances.
It’s open for drop and collect services. “The library has been renovated and all damages are fixed, and will soon open for the public once the Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed,” said Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
Renovations done at the library:
• Roof: The entire roof has been cleaned and fixed.
• Carpets: Old carpets had been removed and new ones laid.
• Suspension ceiling: New suspension ceiling has been put.
• Wall tiles: New wall tiles have been installed in the toilets.
• Painting: Certain areas of the library which needed painting have been painted.
• Blinds: Old blinds have been replaced with new blinds.
Contacts
Boksburg Library: 011 999 5402.
Reiger Park Library: 011 999 5593 or 011 999 5480.
Vosloorus Library: 011 999 6013, 011 999 5935 or 011999 5934.
Also Read: Library donated to Goedehoop Primary
