Cape Town: The Khayelitsha Library will remain closed until further notice after a fire broke out shortly after its closing. The incident occurred on Thursday, Feb 01, 2024.
As per the sources, the librarian in charge and security guard heard what sounded like an explosion in the server room inside the building before the fire broke out.
The community members who were about to have a meeting at the hall next to the library rushed to assist and were joined by firefighters, and within minutes, they extinguished the fire.
The Member of the City’s mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Patricia van der Ross, said that they are grateful that there were no patrons or other staff in the building at the time.
Councillor Ross said, “I also want to thank the residents who assisted and rushed to help. I am saddened that the facility will now be unavailable to its many patrons and programmes which benefit the community.”
She added that residents can rest assured that they will do their best to get it back and run the library as soon as possible.
Notably, the library receives about 4000 visitors per month, and while the closure will halt programmes, the librarians will conduct outreach programmes by visiting ECDs and schools.
The building is left open to allow for it to dry and for smoke to dissipate as it is closed to patrons until further notice is received.
The cause of the fire has not been reported yet. Moreover, the cost to repair the damage is also unknown.
Reportedly, Patrons can make use of the following libraries such as Moses Mabhida, Kulani and Masakhane. People can also make calls to get any other library renewed.
Also, the library will note the length of closure so that fines incurred during this time will be waived.
Until the issue gets resolved, the Khayelitsha Library will remain closed as it needs a renovation, and books will be replaced with new ones.