Following a recent break-in, the Milnerton Library will temporarily close its doors to the public.
While the incident is under investigation, the closure will also provide an opportunity for much-needed maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
Library officials have assured the community that these improvements will enhance both security and services, ensuring a better experience for patrons when the facility reopens.
Mae Kuscus, Milnerton librarian told TygerBurger the library will be closed from Monday 14 October to Saturday 19 October.
The library will reopen on Monday 21 October.
“As a result of the recent break-in, this period will be used for much-needed maintenance and upgrade of infrastructure. For further enquiries, please contact library at 021 444 0815,” Kuscus says.
Fence
Ward councillor Anthony Benadie told the newspaper an increase in vagrants at the library is currently taking place. He says he would like the library to be fenced off so that the vagrants do not enter the property. He adds it would be cheaper to fence off the entire section around the library, instead of just a portion of it.
“I was wondering if there is a way that we can liaise with the two departments who is responsible for the library, so that we can start the process of budgeting for a fence to be installed to keep the vagrants out,” Benadie says.
A request was made during the Subcouncil 3 meeting held at the municipal offices at Royal Ascot in Milnerton recently to have a fence installed at the Milnerton Library.
One of the library’s regular patrons, Louise Engelbrecht says she visits the library with her children and would often see vagrants roaming around.
She adds security needs to be more strict or more police visibility.
Budget
Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayco member for community services and health said the City spent so much money on securing community assets.
“These facilities are for the benefit of our residents, where our children come to study, learn and interact with each other. It is deplorable that the criminal acts of a few impact the majority,” Ross says.
Many of the crimes impact on library services, necessitating the temporary closure of the facility, resulting in the unavailability of materials.
says Van der Ross.
“We’re going to spend money on replacing the stolen items and securing facilities. This is money we could have used for other essential services. There are no winners when libraries are vandalised or burgled. Communities must take ownership of these spaces and work with the City to put an end to these crimes,” adds Van der Ross.
- Anonymous tip-offs welcomed: call 0800 11 00 77 or the South African Police Service.
