Randburg Library will operate during load-shedding
Julie Suddaby encouraged all students at any level to make use of the library and If a book is not available, there are computers to access the internet.
Randburg Library has announced the installation of solar panels, an inverter and a generator to keep its lights on during load-shedding and power outages.
Nestlé Bar One donated the solar system as part of their #Needenergy initiative. Together with the City of Johannesburg they chose the library as one of four recipients. The solar system is a long-term solution that will serve as a backup plan for the library.
Senior librarian Matete Lesele explained how the system is designed to work. The energy from the sun gets converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) by the inverter. It is then used to power the library and charge the batteries.
“The inverter works concurrently with Eskom, with the latter being on stand-by. At all times, 99% of the power comes from solar panels and 1% from Eskom. During load-shedding, 100% of the power will come from the solar panels, the process is automatic. On a cloudy day, the solar panels get less energy, so the inverter pulls power from the batteries.
He added that the batteries can power the library for 10 hours during a very cloudy day or a power failure. When there is sunlight, the solar panels will pull energy to charge the batteries.
Bar-One brand manager Nontando Khubisa said they are excited that they are finally at this stage – the solar system works and will make a difference.
“Everything went so well; I am happy with the commitment of the library staff. This library will attract more visitors and they will be able to do more than just landing a book. This will be a hub for residents to come and make use of the internet and apply for jobs online as well.”
She added that they trust the residents will protect the library and the project against vandalism and theft.
Section 79 chairperson Margaret Arnolds, executive director of community development Vincent Campbell, Ward 102 councillor Julie Suddaby, MMC for Community Development Lubabalo Magwentshu. and the director of libraries, Nobuntu Mpendulo attended and witnessed the unveiling.
Stand-in Ward 102 councillor Julie Suddaby said that this is a good permanent solution, and the city is grateful to Nestlé Bar One for the gift.
“The library is open Mondays to Fridays and five or six weeks before June and end-of-year exams on Saturdays as well. Anyone can come in and use the resources to help them study. There are computers and plug points linked to the solar inverter, so online research can be done while there is load-shedding or any power outage.”
The library is now completely independent of Eskom, and it provides a secure haven for students to continue their studies.
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