The Makhado municipal library has put a ban on lending books to members who do not have a water and electricity statement in their names.

One longstanding member of the library described her feelings when the library refused to loan her any books because she is renting a house and does not have a water and electricity account on her name:“For the past three weeks, I have had no books to read. I have been a member of this library for 14 years and have always faithfully returned my books on time. The library and the books have become like family to me, and now it feels as if this family has stabbed me in the back,” said Ms Hermien de Swardt.

This week, De Swardt showed the library a letter from her landlord plus an accompanying water and electricity statement in his name, but she was told that it would not suffice and that her landlord would have to make an affidavit at the police station.

“They should accept the letter and account, since the landlord does not have time for standing in queues at the police station,” De Swardt said. Her membership fee at the library is fully paid up.

Other members of the public who wanted to renew their library membership also received the shocking news that they could not renew their membership since they did not have a water and electricity statement in their names.

“What about all the aged people who rent? Some are renting from their children who live far away, and what about students renting a house?” asked an irate member.

Some members were told that the new regulation was being enforced because too many books had been stolen in the past. “Why must faithful, longstanding members be punished because others steal books?” asked one library member.

The Makhado Municipality confirmed this week that displaying a water and electricity statement is a prerequisite for renewal of library membership. The reason given was that the library was still auditing unrecovered books.

“This will enable us to trace the books,” said municipal spokesperson Mr Louis Bobodi. He said that people who rented “are expected to be provided with proof of residence by the landlord, agents or traditional leaders. Parents or guardians are responsible for applying for membership on behalf of their children.”

It therefore came as a surprise that when a longstanding member submitted a signed letter and account from the house owner, it was still not accepted. The question arises whether the library cannot trace which members had been faithful over many years and therefore not punish them unduly.

The municipality said that to borrow books a person would need a “certified ID copy, water and electricity statement, proof of residence, and an annual membership fee, which is R80,70 for adults and R28 for children.”