Latest news with #JohannesburgCityLibrary
Eyewitness News
a day ago
- General
- Eyewitness News
Morero emphasises importance of knowledge & education during reopening of Joburg City Library
JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has emphasised the importance of knowledge, education, and community development during the official reopening of the Johannesburg City Library. He was speaking at the ceremony held at the facility in the city centre on Saturday, attended by residents, media, the Johannesburg Development Agency, and various civil society organisations. The Johannesburg City Library, which turned 90 on Saturday, was closed in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic for major structural upgrades. At the time, the city's emergency management services issued a notice of non-compliance related to fire safety systems, mechanical faults, and electrical issues. The building also lacked sufficient water capacity and failed to meet municipal by-law requirements. On Saturday, the library was celebrated not only for its restoration but for its historical significance, as it was the first public library to open its doors to all races in 1994, defying apartheid segregation. Morero expressed his excitement about the reopening. "We are 90 years old with this library. We have restored it almost to its original state and we are excited that it's officially and fully operational, so I think that's what we should be celebrating." The mayor added that reopening the library on Women's Day was symbolic, acknowledging the vital role women play in education and nation-building.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Johannesburg City Library is officially open
The Johannesburg City Library officially opened its doors on August 9, after its first phase opening on March 21. The library closed during Covid times due to leaking roofs and non-compliance with the outdated mechanical and fire configuration of the building. The Johannesburg Heritage Foundation spearheaded a protest last year with other organisations calling for the opening of the library. The protest led to the first phase of the library's opening, which welcomed the public on March 21. Read more: The countdown for Johannesburg City Library's phase two opening has begun Speaking at the opening, Executive Mayor Dada Morero said he was excited that the library had been officially restored. 'Today is a celebratory day, not only for the library but for the women of the country as the day marks Women's Day.' The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) CEO, Themba Mathibe, said that the entity was appointed at a time when the library was non-compliant. Read more: Repairs underway on Johannesburg City Library's parquet flooring 'Post Covid-19, with many buildings catching fire, the City of Johannesburg's Emergency Management Services (EMS) Department issued a notice of non-compliance for the outdated mechanical and fire configuration of the building.' Mathibe added that the building's roof had also been leaking, which affected the operations of the library, placing almost 1.5m of books under threat. The JDA was then appointed to assist with town planning for the heritage part of the library. Mathibe added that of the R57m budget allocated for the project, 86.2% was spent. He added that there were cost control measures in place to ensure that money was spent as it was supposed to. Johannesburg Heritage Foundation's honorary life president, Flo Bird, said the library's opening was proof that protesting for a good cause eventually does lead to fruition. 'The people of Johannesburg can finally have a place to study and read.' Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
Time Out
5 days ago
- General
- Time Out
Johannesburg City Library fully reopens after five year closure
Great news for Joburg residents: the city library will be fully operational from Monday, August 11. The library took to social media to announce the reopening. "We look forward to welcoming you to the fully reopened library as of Monday, 11 August 2025," a statement on Johannesburg City Library's Facebook page read. The library closed in May 2021 because of COVID-19 restrictions and partially reopened this year in March. It underwent renovations because of water leaks and a non-compliance notice. 'Around February 2022, Emergency Management Services issued a non-compliance notice and an order to comply. The building wasn't fire-compliant; it did not have the necessary systems (fire detection, protection, evacuation and pressurised water system in case of a fire) in line with the City's by-laws, and the building was non-compliant with national building regulations," Nthatisi Modingoane, City of Johannesburg Deputy Director of Media Relations at City of Johannesburg said. The renovations are now completed; however, it will be closed on Wednesday, 06 August until Friday, 08 August for the final preparations of the reopening. "Please be advised that the Johannesburg City Library will be temporarily closed to the public from Wednesday, 06 August, to Friday, 08 August 2025. This closure is essential for the health and safety of our patrons and staff to allow the contractor to safely complete final preparations for the official reopening of the library's remaining sections." The library apologised for the inconvenience the temporary closure caused. In June, Joburg Libraries introduced a smart new system, the Symphony Library System. The new system makes it easier for users to search for books, check their loans, and reserve their favourites.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
The countdown for Johannesburg City Library's phase two opening has begun
The countdown for Johannesburg City Library's phase two opening has begun The final touches are being made, the heritage features are shining once again, and the Johannesburg City Library is almost ready to turn the page into a brand-new chapter. Read more: Johannesburg Development Agency CEO inspects library The countdown is officially underway for phase two of the City Library to be opened. From parquet floors to fire safety systems, ceiling finishes to restored reading spaces, the transformation is nearly complete. A fully restored, fully functional Joburg City Library is set to open and welcome the public on August 9. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
28-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Repairs underway on Johannesburg City Library's piqué flooring
The end of the restoration is in sight at the Johannesburg City Library. With each detail carefully restored, Johannesburg Development Agency is getting closer to turning the final page in the Johannesburg City Library's full reopening journey, with the latest milestone being the repair and restoration of the iconic piqué flooring. From carefully removing damaged tiles, to installing matching replacements, levelling subfloors, and re-finishing surfaces; every step honours the building's heritage while preparing it for a vibrant future. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
