 

Long wait for library not over yet

2018-09-12 06:02
The locked gates of the Galeshewe Library.

The locked gates of the Galeshewe Library.

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“It is my biggest wish that the Galeshewe Library re-opens before we start our exams, at least. Life has become so difficult ever since the unannounced closure of the library in August.”

That was the wish matriculant Loretta Loods from Lerato Park expressed at the locked gates of the Galeshewe Library on Wednesday (05/09).

She was there with a group of other high school learners who were trying their luck to check whether the library was open.

They were met once more by locked gates with a note that read, “Library out of order until further notice”.

Amid relief about the refurbishment, the Galeshewe community are hoping to soon receive notice as to when construction will be finished.

Learners and students now have to walk as far as Home­vale or Colville, Roodepan, and catch a taxi to town to access a library to do their school projects.

Challenges with regards to water leakages, as well as caving-in ceilings, were reportedly experienced in the building.

The library caught fire during the violent protests on 30 July. The building has since then turned into a crime haven which criminals conti­nue to frequent. Criminals gain access through the ceiling in order to steal cables and help themselves to whatever they can get their hands on, due to a lack of security.

Loods, of the Thabane High School, is concerned that she has been falling behind with her school work since the closure of the library.

She revealed her frustrations as to how she cannot afford a taxi to town, as her aunt does not work.

She is used to visiting the library daily on her way home from school, as she has to use the internet to complete her application for the National Benchmark Test (NBT) for university access.

She has applied at three institutions, and still needs to update her CV.

“The library used to be my first stop on my way home from school. Most of the time it is challenging for me to do my schoolwork at home.

“It is easier to do my projects (at the library) as I have access to information there.”

She is aware that the library is closed, but goes to check twice a week with the hope that it will be open.

“The unfair part is that the notice does not even state as to how long it will be closed.

“All we can do now, is go to the smaller and packed library in Homevale. There I cannot get all the required information, or I have to queue, resulting in me wasting time and leaving before I got what I need. My fear is also that I cannot leave late, due to safety reasons.”

Sello Matsie, spokesperson of the Sol Plaatje Municipality, said there is no specific time frame as to when construction will finish.

He said he informerd the public, through social media, of the temporary closure after the library and the recreation hall had caught fire in July.

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