Parow library is three months into the swing of being open again.
“Unfortunately, patrons are still not allowed into the library to browse, but we’ve created a window shopping experience,” says principal librarian Jacinta Avontuur.
Librarian Marvin Williams said lockdown had given them time to weed out unusable books and rearrange furniture.
When they reopened the librarians needed to come up with ways to get people reading again. Using the library’s Facebook page, they created videos and posters to show how to go through the process of taking out and returning books.
They also offer a surprise bundle of 10 books for children in various ages and reading levels.
For adults they have created lists of author comparisons – who writes like whom – to assist with digital browsing. And they also make up a lucky packet of 20 books – the maximum that can be taken out.
The SmartCape computers and study space were available from Monday October 5. Ms Avontuur says they are available by appointment, by phone or email, for 45 minutes.
“We’re looking forward to the day when we can resume as normal and have face to face interaction,” says Ms Avontuur. “We now want to get the word out that we’re back in the business of providing a service to the public.”
Other nearby City libraries include Avondale, Belhar, Bellville, Bellville South, Bishop Lavis, Bothasig, Brackenfell, Durbanville, Eersteriver, Eikendal, Elsies River, Kraaifontein and Scottsdene.
No services will be offered at Goodwood and Ravensmead due to closure as a result of vandalism or repairs/maintenance.