One of the oldest libraries in Cape Town reopened this week after being closed for more than 16 months due to extensive renovations. Patrons can partake in the ‘drop and collect’ service currently offered by most of the City’s libraries due to COVID-19.
The Rondebosch library is housed in the well-known Rondebosch Town Hall built in 1898. The library became part of the original Town Hall building in 1907 and is home to some 80 000 books.
The work was carried out in consultation with a heritage architect to ensure compliance with the aesthetics and history of the building, and included:
• Replacing the asbestos roof with Italian slate tiles, which included the full restoration of the coupler
• Major repairs to an interior wall, which showed serious damage over the years due to roof leaks
• Repair work to underlying brickwork and plastering in other areas of the library
• Repairing of woodwork , which entailed some intricate work around the internal window frames and architraves
• An entire repaint of the interior, except the high ceiling in the main area.
• Certain electrical work to ensure compliancy
• Replacing the entire facility’s carpet
• Repairing certain areas of the flooring that was broken. The library has a wooden, suspended floor.
• Replacing all vinyl areas at the facility
Patrons of the Rondebosch Library can make use of the drop and collect service. The library also caters for limited study and SmartCape capacity due to the Alert Level 1 regulations.
For a list of relevant information on the service offering at city libraries, please go to: http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Libraries/Rondebosch%20Public%20Library
