The central library in the inner city will be closed from 29 April until further notice while it undergoes massive upgrades and refurbishment.
JOBURG'S main public library, the City Library at Beyers Naude Square in the CBD, will close on 29 April for extensive refurbishment.
No reopening date has been given as yet, but it is expected to be a lengthy closure, says Virgil James, the City spokesperson. After the upgrades, however, the facility will be world class.
The city library provides free and guided access to unlimited knowledge, as well as promotes reading and research. More than an old-fashioned book-lender, its services include literary classes and competitions; story-telling sessions; classroom support for learners; and gatherings for the elderly.
James explains that the first phase of the refurbishment will include the funding by the Carnegie Corporation of New York for new books, subscriptions to online databases, digitisation equipment and staffing for the inputting of resources on to the library database.
The second phase will involve structural changes and the relocation and closer alignment of certain collections. This will allow greater access to resources that in the past have been inaccessible to users.
Theatre
One aspect will be the re-instatement of the theatre as a conference and public performance space. Space will also be opened for the selling of light snacks and refreshments.
Three new floors of glass and steel will be built above the theatre, increasing the library's capacity to offer wireless computer facilities for all users. All new areas will allow wireless internet access.
There will also be new discussion rooms and state of the art exhibition space for outstanding collections. Mezzanine balconies in the Lending and Reference libraries will increase the space available for users. The new structure will be 1 967m2 bigger than the present size of 11 198m2.
The roof, guttering and electrical systems will also be upgraded.
The Office of the Mayor has given its support to the upgrade as being a vital component of the citywide services provided for its residents.
The City Library has an extensive book collection comprising more than 1,5 million books, as well as journals and CDs. Users have been asked to use other library and information services facilities during construction.
Books, CDs or any other items borrowed from the City Library can be returned to the book-drop at the facility's Market Street entrance, or to any other public library.
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