In a momentous occasion for residents and literary enthusiasts, the City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr Dada Morero, together with Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) CEO Themba Mathibe, JDA Board Chair Julias Maputla and senior city officials, officially reopened the Johannesburg City Library on Friday, 21 March 2025.
This significant milestone coincided with South African Library Week and Human Rights Day, reinforcing the importance of accessible knowledge and education for all.
The phase one opening was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd eager to step back into the iconic library, with access now granted to the ground floor and the children’s reading section. The event marked the first phase of the library’s reopening, with full restoration and reopening anticipated later in 2025.
The sections that will be operational as of Monday, 24 March 2025, are a practical demonstration of the City’s commitment and are now ready to serve our community.
Ahead of the partial reopening, the JDA spearheaded critical upgrades to the facility, including electrical reticulation, fire safety enhancements, waterproofing, and the servicing of generators.
Notably, significant work was completed to ensure compliance with emergency fire safety regulations. The iconic Library is undergoing major renovations to restore its historic architecture while integrating modern facilities.
The scope of work for the first phase included roof repairs, fire protection systems, and building compliance measures to meet Emergency Management Services by-laws and National Building Regulations. The upgrades will ensure the library remains a vital cultural and educational hub for the community, with improved safety features such as fire doors, fire-rated walls, and a new fire water tank.
Mathibe emphasized the agency’s dedication to restoring the library as a vibrant public space. “The reopening of the Johannesburg City Library is a testament to the City’s commitment to preserving its cultural and educational heritage. The JDA is proud to have played a role in the restoration of this historic institution, ensuring that it remains a place of learning, engagement, and community upliftment for generations to come.”
As the next phase of the project unfolds, the City of Johannesburg, through the JDA, remains steadfast in its mission to fully restore the Johannesburg City Library, ensuring that it once again serves as a beacon of knowledge in the heart of the city.
“The first phase opening of the City Library represents our continued investment in knowledge and community. It embodies our belief in the power of learning to improve lives. It is a testament to the enduring importance of libraries in building a stronger, more sustainable Johannesburg,” said Mayor Morero.
“So, as we celebrate South African Library Week, let us also celebrate the first phase reopening of our beloved Johannesburg City Library,” he added.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
