The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) on Victoria Road will remain temporarily closed as major repair work continues.
The library shut its doors in August last year and was due to reopen next month (“National Library of South Africa’s Cape Town campus temporarily closes for renovation”, People’s Post, 30 August 2024).
Jolene Bhadais, executive director of corporate services at the NLSA, said an exact reopening date cannot be established at this stage, adding it could take another six months to complete the refurbishments.
“Owing to the nature of the work that needed to be done, we are unfortunately not able to open in April as initially communicated. We will issue an update to all stakeholders with regard to the extension of the project.”
Bhadais said the appointed contractor had indicated the building would be ready for occupation by October.
“We anticipate resuming normal operations within a month of being able to re-occupy the building.”
One of four legal-deposit libraries in South Africa, the facility holds vital historical and cultural resources, aside from its value as the first public library in SA. Others are the Mangaung Public Library, Msunduzi Municipal Library and Library of Parliament.
“The restoration and upgrading of this facility is not only meant to protect a significant heritage building and its collections,” Bhadais said, “but also to create a conducive environment for our stakeholders.
“This refurbishment project is a vital investment in the future of this building and its users. We look forward to the successful completion of the project and the positive impact it will have on the community of Cape Town and the nation.”
She said construction work includes the refurbishment of the roof and ablution facilities.
“This is a very complex project that includes, among others, the relocation of books and all collections, procurement of materials as prescribed by the heritage agency.
“For which some of the materials are having to be imported from Europe as they are not available in South Africa and various other activities before the refurbishment of the roof and ablution facilities.”
She explained contractors started construction at the start of the year.
“We can confirm now that contractors have started the actual construction at the beginning of the year and providing the institution with regular updates in terms of the progress. We have professional resources that are managing the project, and they provide updated information as the project progresses.”
Limited services are available by appointment at 62 Queen Victoria Street. Email info@nlsa.ac.za or phone 064 649 6113 for details.
