15 Apr 2021

The challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic are reportedly negatively affecting library service delivery at the Serowe Library.

In an interview with BOPA, senior librarian, Mr Father Maniki said most services that used to be provided have been suspended in accordance with the health and safety protocols to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Mr Maniki said the number of people who used to borrow books as well as those who used to go there to research had drastically declined, while students from government schools no longer use the library to read and do their assignments, but only a few from private schools.

He indicated that they had also suspended group discussions and cultural activities such as mhele and koi, which used to be held at the library.

He said before the COVID-19 pandemic, on a normal day they used to have 300 people plus visiting, but the number has declined to 100, even though there was enough space to observe social distancing.

Mr Maniki added that library membership had also been affected, as not many people registered to borrow books as before, revealing that they had also halted the free three-months ICT courses,.

He indicated that staff shortage, which was problematic before, had since worsened due to the shift system, as only five of the 10 staff members worked per week.

He said as it was hard to predict when COVID-19 would end, they had to find ways to continue library services under the new normal by exploring all possibilities and flexibilities to better serve users. Ends