The City of Cape Town has strongly condemned the repeated burglaries at Athlone Library. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham has described these incidents as deeply concerning.
Reportedly, the Athlone Library is offering limited services after it was burgled two weekends in a row. The first incident occurred over the Easter long weekend when thieves caused significant damage to the roof of the facility, with over 10 holes in the roof where tiles were removed. Among the stolen items were network and electrical cables, as well as the water pipes that resulted in several plugs not working and a minor water leak.
Fortunately, the library was able to open and deliver a service to the public. Then this past weekend, the library was burgled again, that sustained further damage to the roof, ceiling and alarm system. In addition, electrical wiring was stolen, that resulted in the library being dark and unsafe for the public to use. Both incidents happened while the library was closed.
Considering this, Cllr Francine Higham stated that all acts of vandalism and theft of the community assets are condemned in the strongest terms. It not only destroys public assets and cripples service delivery but also robs the residents of vital assets and the children of opportunities to learn and grow.
Higham added that these acts are deliberate, and malicious crimes which impose a financial burden on the City. It divert funds which could have been used elsewhere. Libraries are some of the most loved and used spaces that are often visited by students, learners and the elders. The theft of assets has all but closed down the facility and it means they will now spend money to reopen it.
Notably, the limited services include the return of library materials, telephonic renewals of library materials and photocopy services. Patrons in need of other library services can make use of Rylands, Lansdowne, Bridgetown or Heideveld Public Library.