Comments on: A Protest at the Johannesburg City Library

By: 2summers

2summers — Thu, 23 May 2024 09:54:38 +0000

In reply to Lani. Hey Lani, I think I felt compelled to write about the library closure since I've blogged about the library before and feel especially connected to the issue. I do try to shy away from politics, mainly because politics here (as everywhere) are so damn complicated and I'll never feel educated enough to comment intelligently. But to me this is more of a human issue than a political one, and perhaps a little simpler. Kids need the library and it needs to be opened!

By: Lani

Lani — Thu, 23 May 2024 09:46:06 +0000

I’m surprised you wrote about, Heather, because you seem very careful in not getting involved with S. Af politics, which I TOTALLY understand. Is this something we can expect more of from you? I’d be keen since so many of us are facing these kinds of govt struggles around the world.

By: 2summers

2summers — Thu, 23 May 2024 04:19:41 +0000

In reply to YUNUS CHAMDA. Thanks for all of your amazing work, Yunus!

By: YUNUS CHAMDA

YUNUS CHAMDA — Thu, 23 May 2024 04:01:51 +0000

Thank you Heather for attending the protest and for capturing the event in your unique way. As I said when we sat down to chat in Brixton, you see (often with your camera) our beautiful and complicated country with an even balance and fresh appreciation. As South African we carry so much baggage that divides us, but in this protest we came together to send a clear unified message to our government. The Heritage Foundation and all of us in the Joburg Crisis Alliance are determined to fight on until the doors reopen to the public. This blog post is exactly what I hoped for when we met. Thank You. My next vision is of you capturing the handover of donated books to the Head Librarian and the flow of people in an open Joburg City Library. Yes, the City has responded with more of what we have heard before, so we wont be appeased or sidetracked. The Struggle Continues!

By: 2summers

2summers — Tue, 21 May 2024 14:51:01 +0000

In reply to AutumnAshbough. Indeed. Now we just have to figure out how to prevent all the books in the libraries being banned (and the librarians being fired).

By: AutumnAshbough

AutumnAshbough — Tue, 21 May 2024 14:27:00 +0000

That’s so sad and maddening. Libraries are crucial equalizers and safe places. Someone on social media posted recently about how fortunate we are that the public libraries in the U.S. were created centuries ago. Can you imagine Republicans funding them now?!

By: 2summers

2summers — Tue, 21 May 2024 13:17:05 +0000

In reply to Ms. Nancy Anne McDaniel. I also enjoyed the signs!

By: Ms. Nancy Anne McDaniel

Ms. Nancy Anne McDaniel — Tue, 21 May 2024 13:16:06 +0000

I signed the petition. This is a travesty. It looks like a wonderful and well attended protest (great signs too!)

By: Public Protest – Re-open Our Library! – Johannesburg Heritage Foundation

Tue, 21 May 2024 10:34:44 +0000

[…] 2summers.net – 21 May 2024 […]

By: Maarten

Maarten — Tue, 21 May 2024 10:21:54 +0000

During my last visit I was in a shock to see all books; computers; furniture in error and not being looked after. This was not a library but it was a mess. Nobody feeling responsible to do the work, look after books and just keep things proper. I tried to speak to the manager but the person that came forward was not interested at all. This Government is not interested to keep this wonderful place; all these books and computers alive.

By: 2summers

2summers — Tue, 21 May 2024 09:28:02 +0000

In reply to Justin.

I’m not sure…Maybe that had water leakage issues at some point in the past but I don’t think that’s the issue now. The JHF did a tour of the library not too long ago and apparently everything inside looks pretty good and there’s no major damage or threat to safety.

By: Justin

Justin — Tue, 21 May 2024 09:18:59 +0000

I heard and read that the library got flooded with water due to some bad leakage problems 🙁