George Municipality re-opens libraries

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 24^th 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 an 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:

Operating hours:

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
• 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 37º C, 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.

Regards

Debra Sauer
Communications Officer

Office of the Municipal Manager

Office:044 801 9181

Cell:063 682 2092

Email: ddsauer@george.gov.za