The City of Cape Town’s Khayelitsha Library had to be closed down until further notice after a fire gutted the building on Thursday.
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According to the City, the librarian on duty and security guard heard something similar to an explosion in the server room inside the building before the fire broke out.
Community members, who were preparing for a meeting at the hall next to the building, rushed to assist. They were later joined by firefighters, who extinguished the fire.
The City’s Mayco member for community services and health, councillor Patricia van der Ross, thanks the residents who assisted. ‘I am saddened that the facility will now be unavailable to its many patrons and programmes which benefit the community.
‘Residents can rest assured that we will do our best to get it back up and running as soon as possible.’
Before the incident, the library had about 4 000 visitors a month. Although the closure will halt programmes, the librarians will conduct outreach programmes by visiting ECDs and schools.
The building is currently open to allow for it to dry and for smoke to dissipate. The cause of the fire has not been established yet.
In the interim, patrons can make use of the following libraries:
- Moses Mabhida
- Kulani
- Masakhane
Fines during the closure period will be waived.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook