Lettie Mazibuko, Aletta Botes, Malie Linde and Nathi Hlophe are the friendly faces at the Newcastle Library.
A new chapter is unfolding at the Newcastle Library – one which has residents eager to delve into the world of literature.
With around 60 000 books, Internet access, assistance with applications for higher education and an improved children’s section to ensure the community can take on the action of reading and developing literacy skills, the facility is ready to meet the needs of its community.
The Newcastle Advertiser sat down with Chief Librarian, Aletta Botes to learn more about the friendly faces who can be seen at the facility, ensuring the library is well maintained.
“I am responsible for the Newcastle Library Services and my responsibilities are to ensure services are rendered efficiently and effectively,” said Botes.
Chief Librarian, Aletta Botes is ready to serve the community of Newcastle.
She has been with the library for more than 26 years and her love for books, reading and expanding library services through the provision of more libraries in the community, is the highlight of her current work load.
“I am not alone in the quest of a fully-functioning library,” she stated. “We have two qualified librarians who are responsible for the daily operations and service delivery, and who deal mainly with the public. Malie Linde operates the adult section and Lettie Mazibuko assists the younger residents in town. The Senior Librarian is Nathi Hlophe.”
With a goal of to sustaining a reading culture throughout Newcastle, residents can now make use of the the library and rest assured the facility’s purpose is being fulfilled.
“The library is now more spacious, which allows for an improved setting of shelves and collections. A more effective and efficient service is being delivered with separate counters for information, registration and circulation purposes,” explained Botes.
The library team: Lettie Mazibuko, Aletta Botes, Malie Linde and Nathi Hlophe.
She added there were plans to improve on certain services. However, this information will only be announced at the official opening of the library, which will be communicated in due course.
In 2015, the Provincial Department of Arts and Culture,in partnership with the South African Library for the Blind (SALB), introduced a specialised service for individuals with visual disabilities. Subsequently, a mini library was established in Newcastle.
“There were numerous requests from the community to assist our visually impaired citizens. Currently, we have 54 registered members and 12 new applications. Our Senior Librarian, Nathi Hlophe can be contacted for assistance with this service.”
How do you feel about the services offered at the Newcastle Library? Contact the Newcastle Advertiser or send an email to newed2@caxton.co.za and share your thoughts with us!
