The visits to libraries across Nelson Mandela Bay revealed a myriad of issues ranging from non-operational Wi-Fi to security and inconsistent opening hours.
The reporters also found that one of the best libraries in the metro could be found in Motherwell.
While libraries are owned by the Eastern Cape department of sports, recreation, arts and culture, the municipality is responsible for the day-to-day running of the libraries.
The city and the province have a service-level agreement which guides what each party is responsible for.
This means the city is responsible for distributing the R83m budget to about 20 libraries in the metro.
This includes a subsidy of about R15.8m for the current financial year.
At present the number excludes the Main Library in Central, which is undergoing a major revamp.
The city through its acquisition librarians is also responsible for providing electronic and hardcopy books to the libraries.
Department spokesperson Andile Nduna referred questions to the municipality, but said some of the problems such as Wi-Fi would be resolved in the first quarter of the 2019/2020 financial year.
However, municipal spokesperson Mthubanzi Mniki said the Elukhanyisweni library, located in a potentially dangerous spot between a tavern and a liquor outlet, would not be moved.
Nduna said they were willing to engage the municipality on possible options.
On providing internet, Nduna said: “All libraries will be connected to Wi-Fi through the broadband project.
“Currently, we are attending a meeting receiving an update on the project at the office of the premier.
“The department has also made a provision in the budget to ensure there’s connectivity in the first quarter of 2019/2020.”
With regards to safety, Mniki said the safety and security department met every month to discuss safety at municipal facilities.