27 May 2021

In an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus, Francistown Public Library recently relocated to a spacious place to accommodate COVID-19 protocols.

The library moved to Ngilishi Towers in the Light Industrial Area from town centre in April.

Senior librarian, Mr Kanwi Mazunga said in an interview that the new library was spacious, as such it allowed social distancing compared to the previous building,  which was too small for all the services that the library intended to provide.

He explained that the library, which was accessible to the general public at no cost, had a COVID-19 friendly sitting arrangements that enabled maximum social distancing as well as the comfort of reading and studying.

“Our sitting arrangement was approved by the environmental health officers and ensures no contact among our visitors during their stay,” Mr Mazunga said.

Acknowledging the impact of the pandemic, Mr Mazunga said the library had gone on a complete shutdown to curb the spread of the virus when the pandemic hit the country.

Even though there were protocols that made it possible to operate during the pandemic, he said it was necessary for the library to relocate for a better and safe service delivery.

“We now have three wings which are the Youth and Adult, Children’s wing and the Office wings,” he said.  

Mr Mazunga added that the library had about 10 services that included computer training and studying or reading, which were difficult to provide at the previous location, especially during the pandemic.

“After three months of re-shelving and setting up the new location, the library is now in a state to accommodate about 50 persons at a time,” he added.  

Mr Mazunga said some of the new protocols introduced by the library included spending only two hours in the library and the closure of the Children’s library.

He said the library made it a priority to instill the specified COVID-19 regulations through the help of its 15 staff members.

He also said the number of people visiting the library had significantly dropped due to the pandemic, which was a worrying issue.

Mr Mazunga said the only serious challenge the library encountered was unavailability of the wireless internet as most people who visited intended to use it.

He encouraged the public to familiarise themselves with the new location as well as the guidelines put in place regarding COVID-19.

For those who fear of being in public places or contacting the virus, he advised the use of the service of lending books to go and read in the comfort of their homes.

“It is very important to continue using the library to educate ourselves even during this pandemic so that we acquire more skills and knowledge,” he added.
Mr Masunga said all services offered were free and available to everyone during the new specified working hours in the course of the pandemic. ENDS