Renovations: Library to turn a new page
The public library in Modimolle will soon be restored after it has not been in use for almost two years.
The library, together with the nearby clinic, was closed by the Department of Labour as the leaking roofs posed a risk to employees and visitors. The roof was no longer watertight and when it rained, water collected on the ceilings posing a threat to cave in and causing electrical problems. The Department was concerned as water penetrated the walls.
On Wednesday 15 November, the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality handed over the project to the contractor, Risana Trading. According to Nkhensani Mabunda of Risani, the renovations will include fixing leakages on the roof, electrical work, installing new ceilings, and replacing the carpets with tile floors. Two new air conditioners will be installed. The trees around the building, which contributed to the problem, will also be trimmed back.
Workers will fix the plumbing and refresh the paint on the interior of the building.
A public library is a valuable resource to a community, as buying new books is out of the financial reach of many readers. The library’s study area offered a quiet and cool space to study for students who did not have space at home. The library has a large conference room where Unisa students used to write their exams and several computers for those who needed to do online research or type up documents, were made available.
According to Sechele Sebolai, Mayor, the municipality approached the Department of Arts and Culture to intervene and restore the library. They allocated the funds for the work to be done.
“We will continue to knock on every door, provincial or national, for assistance in matters that the municipality cannot afford to attend to,” he said.
It is estimated that the project will take four months to complete.
“We will register the project with the Department of Labour as soon as possible, as it was their decision to close down the building. We hope to complete the project in less than four months,” Mabunda said.
Tiny Mothata, one of the librarians, said she is looking forward to the reopening and is grateful that the library will be safe to work in again.
The Mayor said once the work is done, they will work towards getting more books onto the shelves.
“Residents who have second-hand books available are welcome to donate it to the library,” he said.
Work on the neighboring clinic has been completed after private businesses got involved. It has not yet reopened and residents still need to visit the clinic in Chauke Street in Phagameng.
“We are in negotiation with the Department of Health to reopen the clinic soon,” said Sebolai.
