Several libraries in Nelson Mandela Bay will be open to the
public for full circulation services from Monday, March 15.
This comes after the libraries continued to offer a
select few services in January as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents
were encouraged to use the call-and-collect service and drop off materials
at the libraries.
On Monday, residents will be able to get more services at
the following libraries: Algoa Park, Booysen Park, Despatch, Gelvandale,
Korsten, Linton Grange, Kuyga, KwaZakhele, Colchester, North End, New Brighton,
West End, Uitenhage, Walmer and Zwide.
MMC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the Nelson
Mandela Bay Metro, Helga van Staaden, said that libraries need to be COVID-19
compliant. “They have been partially open since last year but were not
offering a full service, we all know that. This [past] week there was a team
that went to all the libraries to check whether they are compliant or not. Some
of the libraries are compliant and they will open on Monday. In addition, we
will continue to work on the compliance of the outstanding ones so that they can
all open,” Van Staaden explained.
The libraries will be open to the public from Mondays to
Thursdays, opening at 09:00 and closing at 15:30 and Fridays, from 09:00 until
12:30 for full circulation services, photocopy services and information
enquiries.
All libraries will continue with the call-and-collect service, electronic library and the material return services.
“In line with the COVID-19 regulations, the libraries have
been classified as small, medium and large. This classification will determine
the number of people that can come in at any given time at the different
libraries. Notices to the effect of the size of the library and number of
patrons allowed, will be displayed at the door of the library,” she added.
The metro will phase in other libraries once satisfied with
their readiness to reopen to the public in line with the COVID-19 regulations.
Van Staaden urged residents to always wear their masks when
visiting the libraries and to keep a safe social distance from others.
Patrons are also encouraged to use the NMBM online platform,
Libby, or the Overdrive website: http://nmbm.lib.overdrive.com to borrow
library materials.
