By Levy Masiteng
The City of Johannesburg has introduced weekend operating hours at 11 libraries to provide learners and students with additional study spaces during the final examination period.
The libraries will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from October 24 to November 22, between 09:00 and 14:00.
The libraries include Diepsloot Library, Ivory Park North Library, Linden Library, Florida Library, Jabavu Library, Alexandra 8th Avenue Library, Sandton Library, Glenanda Library, Orange Farm Library, Louisa Prince Public Library in Ennerdale Extension 9, and Johannesburg City Library.
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“The initiative aims to give learners and students access to quiet study environments and essential library resources as they prepare for their final examinations,” the city said.
The extended library hours come as the Class of 2026 writes the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, which began on 13 October and are scheduled to conclude on 26 November.
In Gauteng, 203,794 candidates have registered for the exams, including 152,527 full-time candidates and 51,267 part-time candidates and repeaters. The examinations cover 77 subjects and are being administered at 1,065 examination centres across the province.
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The city said its Library and Information Services (LIS) management and staff are continuing a separate voluntary pilot programme to test Saturday access at selected facilities, including Florida Library, Johannesburg City Library and Sandton Library.
These branches will participate on a rotating basis, subject to staff availability, as the city assesses community demand and explores sustainable ways to extend library services.
