The City of Cape Town’s Eerste River Library will celebrate 25 years of serving the community this month. Read more below:
The library opened its doors on 22 January 1998 with five staff members, two of whom are still at the library.
‘Eerste River library is a hub for the whole community. From learners coming to do their homework and meeting up with friends, to parents bringing their children to experience the magic of books and a place of safety after school and during school holidays.
‘Libraries are the places where knowledge, education and social interaction meet. Eerste River Library has become a beacon in the community,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
The library was renovated in 2018 when the kitchen, library aide workroom, assistant librarian workroom, hall, foyer and main library were revamped.
New tiles and carpets were placed, the computer area was moved closer to the circulation desk, a teen section was created, and study cubicles received new desks.
Librarian in Charge, Rene Jashim, who started 25 years ago as a senior assistant librarian, says the many community based programmes they’ve done over the years are all additional highlights.
‘The preparation leading to the renovation was exciting and challenging. I received input from the staff and shared our future plans with the community. Our library also flooded for the first time during the renovation, but in the end, our challenges felt minor when we opened our doors after the renovation and saw people’s faces light up when seeing the renovated library. All our hard work is worth it when residents get involved in events and we are able to empower and enrich their lives through programmes,’ said Mrs Jashim.
Eerste River has more than 35 000 items and the most popular are board books, picture books, Afrikaans and English adult fiction, and audio visual material.
‘The staff at all our libraries are hardworking, dynamic individuals who are passionate about their jobs and their communities. I want to encourage our residents to take ownership of these facilities and to make use of the opportunities they present,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
Source: City Of Cape Town