George Municipality re-opens libraries
Issued on 25 August 2020
Most George Municipality libraries have opened on Monday, 24 August and adopted new work strategies to ensure a smooth and safe reintegration of services for staff and library users.
According to Rachel Williams: Manager: George Municipal Libraries, as libraries are grappling to provide services in safe, harmonious environments, library users will have to adapt to new approaches and service delivery methods that will be implemented to better safeguard the health and safety of both the library patrons and staff members. The Library Service has already started with a phased-in process whereby book returns were encouraged and welcomed by George Library. Rural Libraries such as Waboomskraal and Haarlem are also accepting books.
As from the 24th of August 2020 George Library and other branches have started to issue books to patrons on an appointment basis. This ensures a controlled and focused library service. Books that are returned are quarantined for 72 hours and sanitised according to national and provincial agreed on standards and indications. Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu libraries remain closed until further notice.
Please take note any library can be closed in short notice, according to Covid-19 protocol.
To enhance a smooth, organised and safe working environment, library hours have been reduced and the following measures will apply:
Library Operating hours
Avontuur Library
Ou Bains Road, Avontuur, 6490
Tel: 044 752 3351
E-mail: avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com
Monday, 12:00 – 15:00 Wednesday&Thursday
10:00 – 13:00 Tuesday
11:00 – 14:00 Friday
Blanco Library
George Avenue, Blanco, 6529
Tel: 044 870 7047
E-mail: gmblancobib@gmail.com
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday
Conville Library
Cnr Pienaar Street & Nelson Mandela Boulevard, Conville, 6529
Tel: 044 801 9320
E-mail: Jrhode1@george.gov.za
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday
George Library
Cnr David Road & Caledon Street, Camphersdrift, George, 6530
Tel: 044 8019288
E-mail: rwilliams@george.gov.za
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday
09:00 – 12:00 Saturday
Haarlem Library
Hope Street, Haarlem, 6467
Tel: 044 763 1023
E-mail: shonisemichels@yahoo.com
12:00 – 17:00 Monday, Thursday & Friday (12h:00 – 14:00 is behind closed doors)
14:00 – 17:00 Tuesday & Wednesday (10:00 to 12:00 behind closed doors)
Noll Library
c/o Dieprivier Primary School, Noll’s Ha Halt , George,6462
Tel: 044 745 1014
Email: dieprivierprim@gmail.com
12:00 – 15:00 Monday & Wednesday
09:00 – 12:00 Saturday
Pacaltsdorp Library
Mission Street (near Post office),Pacaltsdorp, 6534
Tel: 044 803 9340
E-mail: Pacsbib@george.org.za
Closed until further notice
Thembalethu Library
Bacela Street, Thembalethu, 6530
Tel: 044 803 9260
E-mail: Xakortman@george.gov.za
Closed until further notice
Touwsranten Library
Besterstraat, Touwsranten, 6538
Tel: 044 803 9285
E-mail: Touwsbib@george.org.za
09:00 – 16:00 Monday – Friday
Uniondale Library
39 Voortrekker Street, Uniondale, 6460
Tel: 044 752 1024
E-mail: fortuinelton@yahoo.com
09:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday
Waboomskraal Library
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre, Waboomskraal , 6529
E-mail: angiefigeland@gmail.com
10:00 – 14:00 Monday – Friday
These services will be limited and will include the following
Issue and return of books;
Telephonic and e-mailed correspondence to assist with Research and Reference Services (bulk preparation of library
material)
Internet Services (2 people at any given time) – booking of Computer Stations is highly recommended and patrons
making use of this method will be given preference
No Children Services; Children Section closed at all Libraries. Adults
are allowed to take out books for children but no children under the age of 12 years old will be allowed in the libraries at this point.
Current awareness and educational displays
All staff and visitors must adhere to Covid-19 health and safety protocols (including wearing masks and cough
etiquette). Visitors who do not adhere to these will not be allowed to enter the library.
Visitor Information:
1. Library services are limited to borrowing and returning of library materials.
2. Please note amended opening hours
3. Wearing of masks is compulsory when entering any Library;
4. Sanitising of hands is compulsory when entering Library premises;
5. Access to the computer area will be restricted in compliance with the National regulations
6. Where possible, small children should not accompany their parents to the library.
7. Children services remain closed in compliance with regulations.
8. The study area in the library will be limited in compliance with regulations.
9. Note signage explaining access conditions and behaviour protocols (such as maintaining social distancing) at the
entrance and throughout the facility;
10. All library patrons should have their temperature read prior to entering the library; Visitors with a temperature of
37.5 º C, or above or any of the known Covid-19 symptoms, will be denied entry into the library.
11. Some libraries will allow patrons to borrow up to ten books for a period of one month.
12. Please feel free to approach any staff member if uncertain about any of our services.