Rondebosch library, one of Cape Town’s oldest, has re-opened after being closed for more than a year for R4 million worth of renovations and upgrades.
The library is housed in the Rondebosch Town Hall, built in 1898.
It became part of the original Town Hall building in 1907 and is home to some 80 000 books.
Dr Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for community services and health, said the work had been done in consultation with a heritage architect.
Work included replacing the asbestos roof with Italian-slate tiles; repairs to an interior wall, which showed serious damage over the years; repairs to underlying brickwork and plastering in other areas
of the library; repairs to woodwork; repainting of the interior; electrical work; replacing the carpet; repairing flooring and replacing all vinyl areas.
Dr Badroodien said Covid-19 had delayed the work.
“Many of the City’s libraries are grand old dames that require quite a bit of TLC to ensure that they look their best, and are able to continue serving the public.”
Rondebosch library is one of 87 libraries offering browsing, study space, SmartCape internet access and drop and collect services, as part of the City’s phased-in approach to restoring library services.
All visitors are required to wear a mask, sanitise their hands and adhere to social distancing protocols. Any person entering a library will be screened, and should they fail the screening test, they will not be allowed inside.
