ETHEKWINI Municipality’s Executive Committee tabled a report outlining the extension of rental leases of a number of libraries in the city recently. These include the Grosvenor and Montlands libraries among 10 others in eThekwini.

The report was approved with the provision that ward councillors engage with the deputy city manager of community services about the location and suitability of library leases. Public libraries are recognised as repositories of human knowledge and heritage providing access to information.

The tabled report noted that eThekwini Municipal Libraries established library services in areas where many people congregate including shopping centres, residential areas and complexes with other municipal facilities. Such areas allow easy access and convenience as they are close to transport routes. The city has 98 libraries throughout eThekwini, of which only 14 are in leased premises.

Media reports alleging foreclosure of leased libraries were refuted by the municipality’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela.”The Grosvenor and Montlands libraries are up to date with their rent. There seems to be incorrect information going around about leased libraries. The mentioned libraries have their leases expiring in November and December 2019,” he said.

The municipal report also outlines the cost of relocating libraries which can range from R700 000 to R5 million depending on the size of the library as well as the major disruptions relocating libraries has with services disrupted for up to one year as a result. According to Mayisela, the report further noted the importance of building libraries and at present there is a backlog of nine libraries the department has planned to build.

Mayisela added that the Libraries and Heritage Department is looking for suitable council-owned land to accommodate these facilities in line with the recommendation that all unit heads must commence the process of acquiring their own premises to provide municipal services.

Ward 66 councillor, JP Prinsloo said the Grosvenor library is still up and running. “The Bluff community can be rest assured that the Grosvenor library will not close its doors as indicated in some media articles. eThekwini is currently in process of renewing leases for libraries across the city. This process takes place regularly as the lease period for the libraries are about to end. We will ensure that regular oversight visits are conducted during the renewal process to ensure that the Bluff community does not lose yet another import governmental service,” he said.

Ward 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter said some library leases were on the verge of expiration. “Leases were renewed under the authority of Section 116, which states that existing contracts can be renewed before they expire. All libraries remain open,” he said.

“The Montlands Library has outgrown the area, there is no other space suitable on site and we are investigating possible places to move it to council buildings, but this is a long term plan,” he added.

READ ALSO: Bluff Post Office closes permanently

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