The Centre for the Book is offering limited services. PHOTO: KAYLYNNE BANTOM
- The National Library of South Africa’s Cape Town campus is temporarily closed for extensive renovations, expected to be completed by March next year.
- Limited services are being offered from the Centre for the Book during this period.
- The refurbishment includes critical updates to the roof and facilities to preserve the heritage building and improve the environment for patrons and collections.
The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) says it is offering limited services from Centre for the Book while its Cape Town campus is temporarily closed for refurbishments.
The heritage building, based in Victoria Road in the City Bowl, is currently under construction and expected to reopen early next year.
Jolene Bhadais, director of communications, marketing and stakeholder relations for the NLSA, says this is the first time that renovations of this extent are taking place.
“The closure is due to construction work that will be taking place. The construction work includes the refurbishment of the roof and ablution facilities. We conduct regular maintenance on our buildings, but not to the extent of this project. This work is vital to maintain this heritage building and to offer a conducive environment to our stakeholders.”
She adds that construction is expected to be completed by March next year. “The appointment of our contractor is for six months. It could take less time, which is what we hope for.”
Limited services
Bhadais explains that their librarians are on standby to assist with limited services, which can be accessed at 62 Queen Victoria Street.
“If patrons get in touch with our librarians, we will try to help them as much as we can. Some of the collections are still accessible and they can access (them) at the Centre for the Book. If they reach out to our librarians, they will get an idea of how we can meet their needs.”
She adds that collections stored at Matrix House and the Centre for the Book would still be accessible to the public by appointment.
“Publishers and self-publishers can still legally deposit their material at the Centre for the Book.”
Bhadais says that the total cost of the project cannot be determined at this stage.
“We know that many people use the library for computer access or the internet, but unfortunately the work needs to happen and with it being a construction site it will not be safe for people to be inside.”
Bhadais appeals to patrons to be patient during this time.
“We acknowledge the profound impact this closure will have on our patrons, researchers, and the broader community. We believe that in order to create that conducive environment not only for the public who come into the library but also for the heritage collection, it is necessary for us to do this refurbishment.”
For details or assistance users can send an e-mail to info@nlsa.ac.za or call 064 649 6113.
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