After opening, closing and partially reopening several times, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries in Nelson Mandela Bay are once again open to the public.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson, Mamela Ndamase, confirmed that all libraries in the metro, except those that have been vandalised, have recently reopened.
Fifteen libraries across the metro were supposed to reopen to the public on Monday, March 15, for full circulation and photocopy services and information enquiries, after they had been partially open since November last year.
The date for reopening was soon postponed, due to COVID-19-related safety matters, revealed through the assessment of the libraries that was made.
However, the libraries still offered call-and-collect and online services. Library materials could also be returned.
Patrons are now allowed to enter the 15 libraries currently open to the public. These are Gelvandale, Despatch, Korsten, Booysen Park, Algoa Park, Kuyga, Linton Grange, Colchester, North End, KwaZakhele, West End, New Brighton, Walmer, Zwide and Kariega (Uitenhage).
The vandalised ones, Chatty Library, Motherwell Library, KwaMagxaki Library and Allanridge Library in Kariega, remain closed.
“The libraries are open to patrons for circulation services, which include the issuing and returning of books, photocopying services, and reference queries, with limited people allowed inside, each for a maximum of 30 minutes per person,” Ndamase explained.
She added that the library services remain limited. “Only circulation services are permitted. No programmes, study areas, children’s areas or computers will be available for public usage at this stage,” she said.
“Patrons can also utilise our call-and-collect service for library materials they wish to borrow and all patrons must wear masks at all times while in the libraries,” she emphasised.
“It is also a requirement for patrons to have their temperatures taken and complete a contact tracing register when visiting the libraries,” Ndamase concluded.
