Community members who support and use the Plumstead Public Library have reacted with outrage at the news of its pending closure next year.
Last week, People’s Post reported that the predicted closure of the library would either be at the end of February or March 2023 in the face of budget constraints. This according to Patricia van der Ross, Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, who said the decision not to renew Plumstead library’s lease, was taken on Wednesday 15 December last year with a full sitting of council. She said the library would be closed, “in line with council’s decision to delimit external leases”.
In a report on the recommended reconfiguration of services released last year, the Department of Community Services and Health, said the primary budget linked to this library, which has a membership of 1 269, is R3,2 million with R2,2 million allocated to employee costs. The 2021-’22 rental for this facility is R273 785 (City-funded).
The report also stated that should Plumstead Public Library be closed, two others – Southfield (2,2 km) and Wynberg (2,4 km) – “were still accessible well within the set standards”.
Toni Balona, a patron and secretary of the Friends of Plumstead Library, says libraries bring communities together.
“We get young minds to start learning the wonder of having a book to read that costs nothing, not internet that you have to have data and airtime to read and have your whole face fixed to the computer and cell phone. We teach them to observe and discuss what the book is about. The delight on their faces when they come into the library is a sight to behold.”
She adds that libraries were never meant to be revenue-making.
“The community supports us in all our fundraising endeavours. This helps us to support reading groups, charities and even two schools. The children love coming down to the library to have a learning experience. When we are gone where are they going to go? There is no point in telling us that we must use neighbouring libraries, there is no finance and transport for this,” says Balona.
The report describes Plumstead Library as “mostly providing services to the elderly and people working in the area”.
Nicolette Bedford, a patron of the library, says during this past year, the librarians have gone the extra mile.
“Having an absorbing novel in my hands has saved my sanity. I live alone and know few people. I have a YouTube etc tv, paid by my son, but it’s not the same as a story. To pick up and put down whenever.”
For her, going to the libraries in either Southfield or Wynberg is not an option.
“I am retired, no car, so I walk. Good exercise for mind and body. Those other libraries are too far away,” says Bedford.
Dez Elliott says the closure of the library will be a tremendous loss to many residents.
“After I retired in 2010, I discovered this lovely, cosy and well-stocked library with pleasant, helpful staff. Many pensioners use it for their Scrabble mornings and other get-together groups in a safe and convenient place with ample parking,” says Elliott.
Many residents have asked for the City to reconsider the closing of the library.
Says Wendy Sinclair Sergeant: “Plumstead Library is a lifeline for so many elderly people in the area. Do not close this much used and needed facility.”
Vanessa Enslin also doesn’t think that the closure is a good idea.
“Especially for most pensioners who have no transportation. It’s locally situated and they are able to reach it easily. It’s also an outing for most people, especially during school holidays. Please reconsider the closure.”
Some residents have expressed anger at the plans to close the library. Hilde Lotter calls it disgusting.
“We the public have the right to our libraries being nearby. I can think of several other areas where money spending could be cut back,” says Lotter.
Laura Lovell says she is horrified that the City would even consider closing a library.
“They should cut costs elsewhere. The closure of Plumstead Library will be devastating for many people from all walks of life,” says Lovell.
Balona has appealed to the City to reconsider their decision.
“How can the council not find ways to support us. They always find funds for other things so why must we be sacrificed to cut costs.
“We would appreciate some support in our endeavour to try and get the council to find a way to keep our library going for the future when we adults are gone and replaced by the younger generation,” concludes Balona.
