An international reading study released found that eight out of ten South African schoolchildren struggle to read by the age of 10.

In Gauteng, a number of libraries including the Johannesburg City Library has been closed.

Some in the literacy sector expressed concern that residents are being deprived of safe spaces to obtain much needed reading and study material.

The doors to the Johannesburg City Library have been shut since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

It will remain shut while the City of Johannesburg is busy with repairs and refurbishments including to the roof and upgrades to the fire protection system at the library.

The library building is an iconic landmark in the city with its rich history and heritage.

Libraries promote literacy, culture and social interaction.

They also provide safe study spaces and educational resources.

Published author, Oupa Segalwe says the closure of libraries robs communities of a vast range of books and resources, crucial to lifelong learning.

“Libraries provide a treasure trove of information, of knowledge and cultural heritage among other things. They are vital for the preservation of important records, for research, for literacy, learning and education. It is at libraries where ideas are not only born but they are shared. Libraries are a space where innovation is born. So, it’s really not ideal to have the doors of libraries shut,” explains Segalwe.

As technology advances, the traditional book and overall image has evolved with Segalwe saying evolution is not necessarily a bad thing.

“The technology advancement that the world is going through is not necessarily a bad thing because nowadays you can access the same books in e-format. People can buy from online platforms.”

Access to libraries remains a concern as some children cannot read for meaning, which has an impact on their literacy.

President of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation Flo Bird says libraries create the enduring love for reading and learning.

“It stresses me so infinitely that we have so many libraries that are being closed. Not only in Johannesburg but throughout South Africa. This question of literacy is so fundamental to all our education. I can’t believe that anyone should downplay it. How do people cope if they are not literate?”

Bird says the longer the historical building remains closed, the more people will lose interest.

“It’s been closed for a very long time and people are losing touch with it. The children’s librarian was particularly concerned and I think other people will get used to finding other places. There were 120 student spaces where they had free access to the internet and they could work all day. Access to the library is free access to knowledge and that is fundamental to our democracy. What makes me particularly angry is that how was it done, who are the people who decided to close the library?”

“The fire chief reported that it did not comply. And what did they do, they fiddled around and R19 million on leaks and R22 million on something else. One of the things to make it safe it to put in a huge tank to keep water. The Johannesburg water pressure is so appalling that’s why buildings burn down. The library was closed and they fiddled and that’s what makes me angry. They don’t see it as an essential service,” explains Bird.

A visit to the library can be an adventure, grabbing your favourite book or author to help you escape into a different world.

Amongst others, it also houses journals, audio and visual recordings and research books essential for studying.

The City of Johannesburg is yet to respond to the SABC’s request for an interview.

In a statement, the Johannesburg Development Agency says part of the library is expected to open in the first quarter of next year.

--SABC--