Cape plans to spend over R30 million on libraries

The City of Cape Town’s Library and Information Services (OPAC) plans to spend more than R30 million during the new financial year, should the draft budget be approved. "The budget provides for the completion of a new library, upgrades, new Wi-Fi connections, services and the acquisition of reading material to appeal to younger and older readers," said Mayco Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, JP Smith.

The budget provides R9 million for the completion of the Dunoon Library, which will make it one of the most modern and environmentally friendly libraries in Cape Town. Other City libraries will receive R7,7 million for proactive maintenance. Additional services will include the provision of new Wi-Fi connections to allow readers to enjoy the e-resources provided by library services. This includes access to PressReader, which has an offering of more than 7 000 publications, including local and international material.

LIS will also spend just under R11 million on books, magazines, newspapers and e-resources subscriptions to ensure that the City’s libraries have attractive and appealing reading material to engage all library patrons. Library and Information Services will also spend just under R11 million on books, magazines, newspapers and e-resources subscriptions to ensure that the City’s libraries have attractive and appealing reading material to engage all library patrons. Picture Supplied.

This is in addition to a new library management system which will improve the service for patrons and staff. By the beginning of September, the City’s 104 libraries will have switched to the new system and there are planned closures for training of library staff that will take place on a rolling schedule that will be spread over three months starting at the end of April. The Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) will be available remotely via the Internet and personal devices and will save patrons time, as the library offerings can be viewed remotely.

A single search returns results from the entire LIS collection, regardless of the format or which branch the items are available at. "Libraries are the heart of our communities. They provide invaluable resources, encourage knowledge and support learning. The money spent on these facilities is an investment into the education and empowerment of communities," added Smith.

Last year the City’s Organisational Development and Transformation Plan (ODTP) was adopted by Council to improve how the administration works. "A key commitment of the ODTP is excellence in service delivery and leveraging technology for progress. We are fulfilling that mandate by providing internet access and making sure our systems benefit patrons and staff," said Smith.