Facelift for the Music Library

During December 2020 we had the opportunity to add some items to a wish list for the Music Library.  One of these was to upgrade the flooring by replacing the carpets with vinyl flooring. As an aside, I had totally forgotten about the wish list since wish lists seldom realise. Early in 2021, Piet Makitla approached me with the news that our wish was granted and that at least one side of the library would be renovated with the budget we received from University facilities.  

First, we had to think about how to get all the sheet music into boxes and where to store them. It did not stop there. Next the shelves had to be dismantled and stored, resulting in our space being substantially reduced. The outside area between the Music Library and Engineering 3 was used to stack all the shelves.  We worked like trojans to finish packing and stacking in order to commence with the new flooring.

No sooner had they started with the flooring than problems with the floor surface were discovered. This delayed the process with a few days.  Then the next problem appeared – the vinyl we chose was not available.  Back to the samples we went, managing to find a similar tile and, with fingers crossed, the vinyl of our choice was ordered.

In the meanwhile, we decided to make use of this opportunity and requested new chairs.  Piet arranged this for us at minimum cost.  So far so good!  We chose a colour that would brighten the mood of the library.  It was also decided that the walls needed painting, which resulted in new skirting as well. The information desk was also revamped with a new jacket.  The colours chosen are distinct tones of grey, and at one stage, we were tempted to rename the library “Fifty shades of grey”. 

With all the delays we encountered, the project took far longer than expected, but we accepted this and looked forward to the result.  

The major task of erecting and packing the shelves then lay ahead of us – this involved ensuring precise spacing between the shelves and sorting through boxes of sheet music. Sore elbows and backs were on the agenda, but we worked through the pain and finished the job.

Piet Makitla was never happy with our entrance.  He thought it to be unfriendly with a bookshelf as prominent feature when one enters. Since we were in the process of upgrading, we decided to renovate our entrance creating a more open, friendly space.  Once again we had to pack the books in order to change the layout of some of the shelves. Piet arranged for old chairs to be reupholstered and he gave us a small coffee table arranged with the chairs.  I must admit, after my 27 years at the library, I think the entrance really looks nice.

A project that was supposed to have been completed in 6 weeks, eventually took about 7 - 8 months, but it was worthwhile – waiting it out and enduring the aches and pains.  Our biggest challenge now is funding to revamp the eastern side of the library as well. We hope the budget will be approved so that we can start with yet another face-lift before I retire in 2024.

It was a real team effort and I want to express my gratitude to everybody who contributed to this project, especially Piet Makitla and Busi Mmalefahlo.