Study spaces and internet services are open for students.
City libraries have reopened limited study and SmartCape internet services.
The City, which has been gradually reopening its library services, says that while browsing for books is still not allowed, some libraries will now allow a limited number of students to use the SmartCape service for study.
Students will be allowed into the libraries for two-hour sessions, which includes a 45-minute SmartCape session, on a first-come first-served basis.
“Library halls are currently being used to quarantine material that is returned, so the spaces available in libraries are extremely limited,” said Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for community services and health.
Anyone entering a library will be screened, will need to wear a mask, sanitise their hands and comply with physical distancing.
Libraries will have three sessions a day, 9am to 11am, 11.15am to 1.15pm and 1.30am to 3.30pm.
The 15 minutes between sessions is to give library staff time to clean and sanitise surfaces.
The drop-and-collect service will continue for borrowing library materials.
Some of the libraries with drop-and-collect, study access and SmartCape services are Central, Claremont, Fish Hoek, Grassy Park, Manenberg, Muizenberg, Pinelands, Retreat, Sea Point, Simon’s Town, Southfield, Strandfontein and Woodstock
Drop-and-collect and SmartCape access will be available at: Bridgetown, Hanover Park, Kloof Street, Pelican Park, Tokai and Wynberg.
There will be drop-and-collect only at Lansdowne, Maitland, Mowbray, Plumstead and Rylands, Site B, Khayelitsha and Tygervalley.
Libraries that remain closed because of vandalism, repairs or maintenance are: Athlone, Observatory and Rondebosch.
The libraries’ operating hours are Mondays to Fridays from 9am until 4pm and Saturdays from 9am to noon.
Patrons will be allowed to borrow 20 items, including five audio-visual items (CDs/DVDs). There will no reservations or inter-library loans.
A loan period is for 30 days which can be renewed for another 30 days only.
For drop-and-collect services, patrons can request material by email or telephonically and can collect after two days.