New Witpoortjie Library welcomes you
Complaints have been streaming in about the Witpoortjie Library being closed, but the wait was well worth it.
The Record visited the now open little book haven on 9 April to see what the fuss was about. The City of Johannesburg had pumped new life into the library by renovating the building that was officially opened in 1981, the visit revealed. The outside walls sport a fresh caramel colour and although the new signage is not up yet, it already looks like a brand new place. Inside, the library has been spruced up with vibrant colours on the walls and new carpets. The children’s section to the left of the library floor had been cordoned off to give children their own little book world, which now includes plug-in points for laptops and other devices. Aesthetic rotating glass book stands show children the picks of the week.
The layout of the rest of the library had not been changed so as not to disturb loyal library visitors. However, avid readers can soon expand their research abilities within the library as wi-fi facilities are in the process of being installed.
Furthermore a largely unused room in the building will soon be transformed to accommodate students that want to study in a quiet and serene area. The dedicated research floor will soon also have plug-in points available.
“Although everything is not quite done yet we just couldn’t keep our loyal customers waiting,” said librarian, Marlene Botha about the official opening date that was extended various times.
“We hope to welcome plenty of new souls to the library as it will, going forth, not only be a place of wondrous book exploring but also a digital research space.”
The best part is that the library’s services are, for the most part, free. Adults can attain membership free of charge and check out four books at a time, or pay R42 per annum to be able to check out six books at a time. Children can also attain free membership that will enable them to take out three books at a time or pay R42 per annum and be able to take five books at a time. Photocopies cost only 70 cents per sheet.
The revamped library is at 22 Payne Street behind the Pick ‘n Pay centre. Contact Marlene Botha on 011 762 1417.
Did you know?
The Witpoortjie Library was opened in September 1981 by then-Mayor councillor DB Trevelen and was designed and built by the then- Department of the City Engineer.
