Durbanville library has achieved centenarian status after it celebrated its 100th year.
The library will be hosting a cake-cutting ceremony this Tuesday and joins a group of centenarian libraries which includes: Bellville, Rondebosch, Observatory and Simon’s Town libraries, according to the City’s mayoral committee member for community services and health, councillor Patricia van der Ross.
“The Vrede Street library service, founded in 1904, was originally funded through a membership subscription scheme and later subsidised by the provincial government and municipality.
In 1923, the library was moved from Vrede Street to two rooms in the old Durbanville City Hall, where the collection at the time was hosted by the Anglican Church in a storeroom,“ Ms Van der Ross said.
The library then moved to the Durbanville Civic Centre in 1960, although there were concerns that the new location would not be accessible to all residents.
“Finally, in 1973, the library found a new home in Koeberg Road, where it still operates today. Due to the increasing membership, the library was expanded and upgraded in 1987 and reopened in 1989,” Ms Van der Ross said.
The Shuttleworth Foundation also funded another upgrade for the library in 2008, which included the building of the hall and the extension of the children’s section.
Ms Van der Ross adds that Durbanville library currently has the second highest circulation in the city with about 80 000 items.
When Northern News asked what the greatest challenges are that the library has faced, Ms Van der Ross said: “The pandemic added a new layer of difficulties. While libraries made efforts to provide digital resources, access to physical collections was limited during the pandemic. Borrowing physical materials, such as books and DVDs, became challenging due to closures, reduced operating hours, and quarantine procedures for returned items.”
Despite these challenges, Durbanville library has demonstrated resilience and innovation. They have embraced technology, expanded their digital offerings, and found creative ways to serve their communities, such as implementing curb side pick-up services, virtual events, and enhanced online resources.“
She added that the library has never faced the threat of closing down due to budget constraints.
Currently the library has 8 169 active members with 1 492 new members joining the library from January to April this year.
“For many residents, it is an essential hub of social and cultural engagement with its range of activities and clubs catering to all ages and interests. A weekly games afternoon gives visitors a chance to play board or card games with friends or strangers in a warm and welcoming environment,“ she said.