Five libraries to get facelifts

Five city libraries to undergo maintenance.
The City’s Library and Information Services (LIS) has announced plans to spend more than R43 million on library upgrades, the completion of the Dunoon library, new Wi-Fi connections, services and the acquisition of reading materials.

LIS will spend just under R18,5 million on books, magazines, newspapers and e-resources subscriptions to ensure that the City’s libraries have attractive and appealing reading materials to engage all library patrons.

This is in addition to the new library management system, Symphony, which will improve the service for patrons and staff and which has just been rolled out to libraries.

Goodwood library, Fish Hoek, Kraaifontein Library, PD Paulse Library in Kuils River and Scottsdene Library will receive R7,7 million for proactive maintenance.
The upgrades to these libraries, with the exception of Goodwood, are due for completion early in December provided there are no unforeseen delays.

The costs for the maintenance and upgrades to the five libraries amount to just over R6 million.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services JP Smith said, “The money spent on these facilities is an investment in the education and empowerment of communities. Libraries culturally enrich the areas they are in and serve as a community focal point. Libraries offer a safe space and vital resources that might not be available elsewhere.”

Upgrades to the Meadowridge library will start in February 2019.