After being closed for ages, there is real hope of the Joburg Library Opening once again!
Johannesburg, South Africa (24 May 2024) — It‘s been a long wait for lovers of the Joburg Library after it officially closed its doors three years ago in May 2021 after 2020 where access to the community haven was already diminished over structural safety worries.
For members of the public including academics and students, the wait has been far too long, with public demand for reopening having reached a boiling point. Last weekend, protesters joined forces at Beyers Naude Square to call for action.
According to GroundUp, some those protesting wanted answers as to why the Library had been closed for so long, while others agreed that it was undemocratic for Joburgers not to be able to access the libraries wide array of books (a collection of over 1.5 million).
Beyond the books, there is free wifi and many workstations, as Daily Maverick reports, resources which are imperative to many citizens.
The call for action was largely spearheaded by Johannesburg Heritage Foundation and the Johannesburg Crisis Alliance, and the loss of the library has been felt by residents all over.
But, in hopeful news, the City of Johannesburg has responded, sharing that it is committed to reopening the Joburg Library once again.
The City of Joburg shared that it has “begun the procurement process to appoint service providers who will address critical fire safety concerns.”
“We recognise the importance of the Joburg City Library to the community…Preserving the archives, ensuring safety regulation compliance, and protecting both the community and library personnel are all crucial aspects. We are taking proactive steps to guarantee its reopening,” Councillor Lubabalo Magwentshu, MMC for Community Development shared.
According to the City, the commitment to reopening was already announced during Mayco Member Dada Morero’s Budget Speech, but now with decision-making to do with the library in the spotlight, hope is high that Joburgers will get to walk through the Library’s doors once again.
Sources: Various, Linked Above
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