
Opening of Libraries under Level 3 Regulations
Libraries can open in Level 3 and the City is ready to comply with the guidelines given by Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa on 7 July.
Divisional Head for the City’s Library division City Karin Muller says a state of readiness plan has been submitted to the minister’s office for blessings to open library services in Ekurhuleni.
The latest directive from the minister’s office introduced a number of guidelines, amongst others:
- Limiting operating hours as per the amendment standard operation procedure posted on the website of Department of Arts and Culture;
- Places and premises must provide limited service and contact as far as possible between visitors and to prevent a gathering;
- Sufficient sanitisers must be made available;
- Social distancing must be practiced at all times, which is a distant of 1.5m;
- Staff and visitors must wear a cloth face mask at all times;
- The premises should be deep cleaned before reopening, and commonly used areas sanitised frequently;
- A person with an elevated temperature can be refused entrance into the premises.
She said control librarians are the only members of staff who have returned and their role is ensuring that compliance and gear up for re-opening.
“The plan is to first open the study facilities and the drop and collect, and also looking at promoting virtual library which is called overdrive. This is where people can read the latest book online for free, or press reader which is where people can access and read newspapers as well as Encyclopedia Brittanicca which is where research and information are accessed,” she explained.
Muller said she was hopeful that if things go according to plan libraries should open by the end of July. For more information or complaints as well as suggestions please send an email to info.libraries@ekurhuleni.gov.za