Johannesburg City Library fully reopens after five year closure

Great news for Joburg residents: the city library will be fully operational from Monday, August 11.

The library took to social media to announce the reopening. 

"We look forward to welcoming you to the fully reopened library as of Monday, 11 August 2025," a statement on Johannesburg City Library's Facebook page read. 

The library closed in May 2021 because of COVID-19 restrictions and partially reopened this year in March. 

It underwent renovations because of water leaks and a non-compliance notice.

“Around February 2022, Emergency Management Services issued a non-compliance notice and an order to comply. The building wasn’t fire-compliant; it did not have the necessary systems (fire detection, protection, evacuation and pressurised water system in case of a fire) in line with the City’s by-laws, and the building was non-compliant with national building regulations," Nthatisi Modingoane, City of Johannesburg Deputy Director of Media Relations at City of Johannesburg said. 

The renovations are now completed; however, it will be closed on Wednesday, 06 August until Friday, 08 August for the final preparations of the reopening. 

"Please be advised that the Johannesburg City Library will be temporarily closed to the public from Wednesday, 06 August, to Friday, 08 August 2025. This closure is essential for the health and safety of our patrons and staff to allow the contractor to safely complete final preparations for the official reopening of the library's remaining sections."

The library apologised for the inconvenience the temporary closure caused. 

In June, Joburg Libraries introduced a smart new system, the Symphony Library System. The new system makes it easier for users to search for books, check their loans, and reserve their favourites.