Tell the truth about our main library

I WAS in one of the functioning libraries the other day and I got talking to a chap about the main library. This is the one with the fine edifice that has Queen Victoria on “guard” outside.

Tourists come here to view this history and take photos.

The inside is also very impressive and is an architectural style worth visiting purely as a tourist.

But you cannot get inside! Because it is closed and has been this way for what seems like years, although perhaps only 18 months.

What we do not see but should be looking at with concern is the roof and current state of the books. I am told that the roof is not waterproof and rain water flows down the inner walls. Mould growth and decay follow, with books perhaps ruined forever.

I expressed surprise because the media reports tell a positive story of repair and imply all is in hand. But where are the workers and scaffolding?

Apart from this enormous discrepancy in the picture, we also have a library that for a long time has not provided the resources that so many students need in order to study and research.

If my seemingly informed sources tell the true story, then something is seriously wrong with the whole matter.

I ask that the media or DA determine the true facts and that the people of Port Elizabeth are guaranteed the return of this wonderful building in a fully functional manner to serve the community as intended.

It happens to be a super bit of history that links up with the other images in the area such as the Feather Market Hall, Opera House etc.

Even if the powers-that-be have little empathy for this part of South Africa’s history and perhaps have little concern for the students, they must surely see the tourist potential and the jobs and wealth that flow from maintaining this type of architectural and cultural heritage.

I will watch The Herald to see the true state of affairs in due course.

Alan Patrick, Lovemore Heights