Possible explosion in Khayelitsha library's server room forces closure until further notice

Library patrons who make use of Khayelitsha Library, will have to go to other libraries within the vicinity, after a fire broke out at the facility, shortly after closing on Thursday.

COURTESY: CoCT

Mayco Member (MMC) for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, said the librarian in charge and security guard heard what sounded like an explosion in the server room inside the building before the fire broke out.

‘’Community members who were about to have a meeting at the hall next to the library rushed to assist and were joined by firefighters within minutes, who extinguished the fire. We are grateful there were no patrons or other staff in the building at the time. I also want to thank the residents who assisted and rushed to help.’’

According to Van der Ross, the library has about 4 000 visitors a month and while the closure will halt programmes, the librarians will conduct outreach programmes by visiting ECDs and schools.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, and the MMC says cost to repair the damage still needs to be determined.

‘’I am saddened that the facility will now be unavailable to its many patrons and programmes which benefit the community. Residents can rest assured that we will do our best to get it back up and running as soon as possible,’’ said Patricia van der Ross, MMC for Community Services and Health.

‘’While the building is open to allow for it to dry and for smoke to dissipate, it is closed to patrons until further notice. Patrons can make use of the following libraries: Moses Mabhida, Kulani and Masakhane. You can also call any other library to make a renewal. The library will note the length of closure so that fines incurred during this time will be waived,’’ she added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George