GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - There has been outrage expressed in the community by the announcement from the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality that all public libraries in the municipality will be closed from 4 February until further notice.

Not only are the libraries used for readers to borrow books, but they also provide an invaluable venue for children to do research and homework. 

Even though the internet in most libraries is generally more off than on, the learners are able to use reference books and have a quiet place to study, which many of them do not have at home.

"Because the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has failed to pay over the library grant six months into the financial year, our cash-strapped municipality has no choice but to close all 12 libraries in our municipal area" said Cllr Samantha Graham, leader of the DA caucus. 

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