Last month marked the start of the 2023 academic year with book lovers and those seeking to broaden their knowledge looking to take the opportunity to use libraries across the City of Johannesburg. The City of Johannesburg appointed the Joburg Development Agency (JDA) to implement renovations to the Johannesburg City Library, an iconic building on Albertina Sisulu Road and Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street. The library opened in 1935. It has over 1.5 million books and more than 250 000 members. Located on the western edge of Beyers Naude Square in the inner city, the library is a protected heritage building that opened its doors on 6 August 1935.
The scope of works of the project includes the following:
- Roof leaks solutions, such as replacement of damaged roof tiles; waterproofing; sealing of gutters and downpipes and replacement of damaged skylights.
- Fire detection solutions and fire protection elements upgrades.
- Gas suppression system commissioning.
- Fire signage
The JDA’s objective is to deliver this public infrastructure project using labour-intensive methods with the aim of job creation and income generation.
A total of two SMMEs were on the project, and SMME expenditure was approximately R904 626, 36.
“The Johannesburg City Library is a heritage asset that adds texture and beauty to our city.
We hope that once the renovations are complete, the library and information services will play a vital role in the lives of all the residents,” said JDA CEO Mokgema Mongane.
The contents are invaluable and represent many years of hard work, dedication, and knowledge. The internationally recognised Harold Strange Library of African Studies is one of the notable offerings at the Johannesburg City Library. It consists of vast collections of material on all aspects of the history and culture of Southern Africa.
It includes manuscripts, maps, private papers, books, pamphlets, and photographs. Of great interest to researchers are the collections of African languages, literature and ethnology and the history of the Witwatersrand, gold mining and Johannesburg.
The newspaper section provides bound and microfilmed newspapers dating from the early 19th century and a cuttings collection covering a broad range of topics.
09/02/2023