By Nangamso Mabindla
8 February 2005

BUFFALO City Municipality has signed a R1, 6-million subsidy agreement for its libraries with the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.

This follows a series of communications between the City's Directorate of Social Services and the province. In terms of the Constitution the provision of library services is not a municipal function.

"But, now that the department has agreed to give us the subsidy we'll be able to provide better services to the people of Buffalo City," said Peter King, Director of Social Services.

The money will be used to purchase books and periodicals for the City's 13 libraries. "We need the provincial government to work with us if we're to deliver these kinds of services to the City's people," added King.

The City's libraries run at a loss, with the City spending more than R14-million annually, while only receiving an income of R2,2-million. "Without the subsidy we would only enjoy income of R500 000, which comes from membership fees, photocopying, fines and so on," said King.

The City's libraries were able to raise funds for items like videos and televisions with the help of organisations like the Friends of the Library. These additional funds are used to buy exceptional books and other items not budgeted for by the municipality.

Like any community-based service, the City's libraries are used extensively by school children and students to carry out research and other curricula-related activities.

And now, following the province's subsidy, Buffalo City's libraries will be able to perform their civic duty - providing a wealth of knowledge to the local communities.