The City of Cape Town's libraries are preparing to resume services in phases starting with seven facilities on 13 July 2020.
'Our libraries are among the facilities that have been missed the most during this time and we know our patrons are anxious to once again step into
a world of books.
Recent regulations allow libraries to open and the City's library services will resume in a phased approach,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Cou ncillor Zahid Badroodien.
The reopening will be done in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and other applicable directives.
Library Services will also be guided by the directions issued by the Minister and will inform the public accordingly.
'We know that people are keen to visit libraries and our staff will do their best to comply with the demand for library services.
However, we request that communities bear with us as we endeavour to safeguard our staff and patrons during this challenging time,' said
Councillor Badroodien.
During the first phase the staff of seven libraries will return and will introduce a drop and collect service in a manner which is safe for both patrons and staff.
The libraries are Central Library, Wesfleur, Strand, Harare, Mitchells Plain Town Centre, Fish Hoek and Parow.
However, library materials from any library in the City can be dropped at these seven libraries.
A drop zone with clear demarcations will be identified at each library, and patrons will be required to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations like wearing masks and practising social distancing when dropping their library materials.
The material returned will be quarantined for 72 hours, and will thus remain on the patron's card for this period, before it is handled by library staff and returned on the system.
In addition, patrons will be allowed to borrow 20 items at a time for 30 days.
This new quota was introduced to enable library patrons to borrow more items for a longer period of time.
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