The Khayelitsha Library, a beacon for book lovers in Cape Town, has closed its doors indefinitely following a fire that erupted just moments after it closed on Thursday, 1 February 2024.
What caused the Khayelitsha Library fire?
The blaze, sparked by what was reported as an explosion in the server room, has paused the pulse of a community hub that welcomed around 4,000 visitors monthly.
According to eyewitness accounts, the library’s custodian and a security guard were the first to notice the ominous sounds coming from the server room, which quickly escalated into a full-blown inferno.
The situation prompted an impromptu brigade of community members, initially gathered for a meeting in the adjacent hall, to leap into action.
Their swift response, coupled with the rapid arrival of firefighters, helped to quell the flames before they could devour the entire structure.
Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health expressed her gratitude towards the quick-thinking residents and firefighters.
“We are grateful there were no patrons or other staff in the building at the time. I also want to thank the residents who assisted and rushed to help. I am saddened that the facility will now be unavailable to its many patrons and programmes which benefit the community. Residents can rest assured that we will do our best to get it back up and running as soon as possible,” she stated.
The fire’s aftermath has not only charred walls and melted dreams but also temporarily halted numerous community programmes.
Libraries you can visit near Khayelitsha
However, the library’s dedicated staff refuse to let this setback dampen their spirits, planning to conduct outreach programmes at local ECDs (Early Childhood Development centres) and schools.
As the building stands open to air out smoke and dries off, the doors remain firmly closed to the public, with no clear timeline for when they will reopen.
The cause of the fire remains a mystery, as does the estimated cost of repairs. In the meantime, patrons are encouraged to use nearby libraries, such as Moses Mabhida, Kulani, and Masakhane, with the assurance that any fines incurred during the closure will be waived.