libraries open new chapter for folks

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120612. A grade9 Bonolo Mtengwane(15) busy with her homework at Desmond Tutu Community Library in Munsieville, Mogale City. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

MPILETSO MOTUMI

mpiletso.motumi@inl.co.za

IN THE second part of the Mogale City libraries package, The Star Africa visits another five, including a depot facility in Tarlton.

The libraries all face the challenge of over-usage of facilities because of the growing communities.

Because of this, the needs of all the users regarding information resources cannot always be met.

Study guides, reference material, magazines, newspapers and story books in African languages are available at all of them.

120612. A SEDA business kiosk in Magaliesburg library, Mogale City. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

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“We have tried to have a library in all the areas of Mogale City. We have even opened a depot at Tarlton to ensure that the community there is not disadvantaged,” said library specialist Nene Seboko.

She said the Gauteng government was going to build a library at Tarlton in the new financial year.

Library projects for Kagiso Extension six and Rietvallei two and three have also been mooted.

Most libraries have been repainted using funds allocated by the Gauteng government. New carpets have been fitted and air-conditioners installed.

“We also installed book security systems at Kagiso and the Azaadville libraries,” said Seboko.

Positive feedback from users is given either verbally or in the comments books with most of them being complimentary.

120612. Abigail Dingiswayo a librarian helps the school children at Desmond Tutu Community Library in Munsieville, Mogale City. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

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Every library has computers for public usage. The big libraries like Krugersdorp, Kagiso, Lusaka and Desmond Tutu had 10 computers, Azaadville six while the smaller ones had four, said Seboko.

Sakkie Nel Library (Krugersdorp West) 011 668 0764

The small library has been open since 1984 and six schools use it daily. The library is closing and will remain closed until the end of July as it will be undergoing renovations during that time.

The facilities in the library are all operational. The library is split into two parts – the lending section and a study area.

A children’s section is in the middle of the library. There are four computers, a reference section and a section of books called grootdruk, which offers large print books for senior citizens.

120612. Millicent Malema a librarian at Muldersdrift in Mogale City. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

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While the library is closed, users should use the Krugersdorp facility.

Tarlton depot, Tarlton

Situated in the Nelson Mandela Community Centre, the boardroom near the hall has been converted into a makeshift library. “It’s small but better than nothing,” said Seboko.

It will be used as a temporary library while the planned one is in the works. The library is neat and tidy, with a limited number of books.

“The community uses it a lot for photocopies and surfing the internet,” Seboko said.

The community centre is in the same vicinity as a health clinic and a police station.

120612. Tarlton Depot library at Tarlton in Mogale City. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

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Books from Lewisham library are brought in to supplement stocks.

Magaliesberg Library

011 668 0761

The library is housed in the Ubuntu Arts and Crafts Centre.

There are four computers and a spacious lounge area where reference material, newspapers and magazines are found.

A new books file helps users browse through what is available. There is an open study area, a study room, display area, air- conditioning and a children’s section at the back. The shelves are full and a Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) business kiosk has also been introduced. Here users can browse through and download business plans and find out more information on starting one.

120612. Magaliesburg library, Mogale City. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

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Hekpoort Library 011 668 0769

Also situated in a service centre, this library is next to a health clinic, community hall and a ward council office. The small library is immaculate with its sections divided by rows of shelves. There is a mini-children’s section, a reference centre and a separate room for four computers.

Muldersdrift Library 011 668 0786

This is another library in a service centre. There is a hall and sports grounds at the centre. There are four computers, a Seda business kiosk and lockers outside a magazine section.

It is separated into two parts, a children’s section and a a lending section. There are study cubicles and a reference section.

Though the library is small, it is well stocked.

120612. Tarlton Depot library at Tarlton in Mogale City. 186 Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

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Desmond Tutu Library (Munsieville) 011 668 0785

It is also in a service centre near a health clinic, police station and community hall. Named after the archbishop, whose childhood home is just four houses down the road, the library has two levels. The lower level is allocated to a children’s library which has proved popular after school hours.

The upper level is for the older pupils and university students. There is a study room at the back of the lending area. The activity room is downstairs and there are toilets on both floors.

The library is opposite a taxi rank and allows for easy access. There are 10 computers, a display area for new books and a closed study area. Two primary schools and a high school are nearby.

Overall

Though the libraries were far apart each of the towns had a library available for the community. Most of the libraries were found within service centres that allowed access to different communities.

120612. Shelves are empty for renovations at Sakkie Nel library Krugersdorp West Mogale City. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

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