Public libraries are now open
The Mpumalanga Department of Sports, Arts and Culture announced that all 116 libraries in the province opened their doors to the public on Monday September 21.
Lockdown alert level 1 has brought good news for library users in Mpumalanga, who were left stranded with nowhere to go for information.
“The minister of sports, arts and culture has granted Mpumalanga permission to reopen all its libraries,” said the department spokesperson, Sibongile Nkosi. She added that the reopening was done with strict adherence to Covid-19 health and safety protocols.
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“Protective counter screens have been installed at reception desks to protect both librarians and users against the spread of Covid-19,” said Nkosi.
She added that category A libraries admit a maximum of 50 users at a given time, with category B admitting 30 people and category C opening for 10 people at a time. “They offer access to the Internet and WiFi, limited use of the study areas and lending of books.
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“Drop boxes are available at entrances where returned books can be dropped off, disinfected and quarantined for 72 hours to kill the virus before they are returned to their shelves,” explained Nkosi. She said the department put together a reopening plan that has been followed to a tee to ensure that there are no flare-ups of the virus.
