Will Newcastle Library re-open? This is what the Municipality had to say

After numerous enquiries from a few of our loyal readers, The Newcastillian – Online Daily News set out to establish when our beloved Library would indeed be open to the public, once again.

Even though South Africa moved to Level 2 of the lockdown on 18 August 2020, with the government stating that libraries along with galleries and museums, according to the Disaster Management Act, would be allowed to get back to business. There has, however, been no direction on the anticipated re-opening of the Newcastle library.

This, in spite of the reality that other libraries across the country are open to the public, such as the substantially larger, Johannesburg Library. Therefore, why has there been a delay in the re-opening, in Newcastle? Baring in mind many children rely on the facilities which the establishment has on offer and the access therein.

Facilities which forward scholars the much-needed assistance they require to complete school work. Assistance, many do not have access to at home such as PC’s, the internet or of course, a plethora of literature. 

Mlungisi Khumalo, Newcastle Municipality Head of Communications, explains the municipality is currently doing risk analysis, whilst making the necessary arrangements, in order to reopen the library.

“The majority of library-goers are youngsters and elderly people. We do not want to expose them to infection. We are assessing the situation and will notify the community as soon as the library is ready to reopen,” he assures.

While Newcastle Municipality takes the necessary steps to protect the community’s readers, booklovers are now waiting in anticipation to close this chapter of their lives.