HIGHWAY bookworms will be pleased to know that most of the eThekwini Municipality’s libraries are now open, however, the smaller libraries will remain closed.
Due to lockdown regulations, most of the city’s facilities including pools, sport facilities, beaches and museums were closed during lockdown.
eThekwini Municipality’s spokesman, Msawakhe Mayisela said smaller libraries will remain closed with the welfare of residents and staff in mind. “The municipality has appealed to residents to make use of libraries closest to them,” said Mayisela.
He said the issuing of books is now permitted under strict protocols.
“Libraries will have a quarantine room for books that have been returned. The books will remain there for 72 hours while restrictions are in place for the use of computer facilities. A limited number of people will be allowed into libraries at a time,” he added.
Mayisela said the Durban City Hall library is the only library that will remain closed due to refurbishment. “The reopening of all the libraries will be announced when it is deemed safe to do so,” he said.
New Germany librarian, Thandeka Mbatha said at the moment the returning of books and public computers for internet access are the only services permitted. “We are open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm,” said Mbatha. She added that other services are expected to resume soon.
The following Highway libraries are open:
Pinetown
Wyebank
Kloof
Ntshongweni
Hillcrest
Inchanga
Waterfall
New Germany
Westville
Westville North
Clermont
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