City of Cape Town’s libraries are under threat, battling with violence and theft. Image: City of Cape Town
Cape Town’s libraries under threat: Violence and theft
The City of Cape Town’s libraries encounter a multitude of challenges, such as acts of vandalism, theft, and violence in their vicinity.
City of Cape Town’s libraries are under threat, battling with violence and theft. Image: City of Cape Town
The libraries in the City of Cape Town face numerous challenges, including vandalism, theft, and violence in their surrounding areas.
As Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, points out.
ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni library faces closure after ceiling collapses due to heavy rains
“These incidents impact our staff and patrons who are traumatised and who have to go about their days in fear. Children are unable to use the library as parents are rightly keeping them home for their own safety.”
Affected libraries
The Khayelitsha Library even has to close for several hours daily due to shootings in the area, while the Manenberg Library recently had a grim discovery of two bodies nearby. Such closures result in lost time for residents who rely on these facilities for studying, research, socializing, and accessing resources.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Parts of Cape Town will be without electricity [VIDEO]
Unfortunately, library closures due to violence are not isolated incidents. The Manenberg Library had to shut down for two days this year because of gang violence, and the Leonsdale Library had to close six times due to shootings in front of the building.
In addition to violence, there also face challenges from cable theft and burglaries, affecting their services. For instance, Scottsdene Library has suffered the impact of cable theft twice in two months, leading to a loss of telephone and internet connections.
ALSO READ: Water supply interruptions in these Cape Town areas this WEEK
Councillor Van der Ross encourages community to work together to maintain safety
Councillor Van der Ross emphasizes that these spaces are essential safe spaces for communities to relax and access information. She encourages the community to work together to maintain the safety and integrity of these valuable resources.
ALSO READ: Cape Town wins big at the 2023 World Travel Awards
