From Pilot to Permanent: JCA Pushes for Saturday Libraries Across Joburg

Use the Pilot, Prove the Demand, Win Saturday Libraries

The JCA has welcomed the City of Johannesburg’s Saturday library pilot as a partial victory for its campaign to restore Saturday services across Joburg. But two libraries opening for just two Saturdays is only a first step. Residents must now use the pilot, sign and share the petition, and help prove that the demand exists. The JCA and its partners will monitor the pilot and continue campaigning for a properly planned, adequately resourced and permanent Saturday service at libraries across Johannesburg.

STATEMENT SUMMARY

The Joburg Crisis Alliance (JCA) has welcomed the City of Johannesburg’s decision to pilot Saturday opening at two public libraries during September, describing it as a partial victory for the campaign to restore Saturday library services across Johannesburg.

The pilot will see Florida Library and the Johannesburg City Library open from 09h00 to 13h00 on 12 and 26 September to assess community demand and operational feasibility.

The JCA, together with the Friends of the Johannesburg Public Libraries NPC and the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation, has campaigned for the restoration of Saturday opening across the City’s library network. The campaign argues that libraries must be accessible when residents can use them. Saturday access is particularly important for learners and students needing study facilities, working residents unable to visit during weekdays, and families seeking safe spaces for reading, learning and personal development.

While the pilot represents important progress, two libraries opening for only two Saturday mornings falls far short of the campaign’s goal. The JCA believes the pilot must become a stepping stone towards a properly planned, adequately resourced and permanent Saturday service across Johannesburg.

Residents now have an important role in proving the demand. The JCA is urging people to visit the pilot libraries to study, borrow books, use available resources and bring their children. Strong public participation will strengthen the case for extending Saturday opening to other libraries.

The JCA is also calling on residents to continue signing and sharing the petition. Together with its partners, it will monitor the pilot, engage the City on its results and intensify mobilisation for a full Saturday service across Johannesburg. Two libraries are a start, but the goal remains Saturday opening across the City.

The petition can be signed HERE