Cape Town: The Community Services and Health Directorate of the City of Cape Town will soon commence with major upgrades at the Hector Pieterson Memorial library. It will double the size of the facility and significantly expand learning, digital access and study opportunities for the community. This was announced during a sod turning event at the library on Thursday, February 18, 2026.
Hector Peterson Memorial Library has served the community of Lwandle for 28 years. Now, as the community continues to grow, the City of Cape Town is modernising and expanding the facility to ensure that it remains a space where children can discover reading, where learners prepare for exams and residents access services in an increasingly digital world.
Reportedly, the library has 2,143 registered members and during October to December 2025, the library recorded a circulation of 2,615 items, welcomed 164 new members, and received 16,774 visits.
Its construction is expected to commence at the end of the month with an anticipated completion period of six months. The R14.8 million investment will include:
- Doubling the size of the current facility and significantly increasing space for users.
- A new extension with a dedicated study room and additional study spaces.
- A welcoming new main entrance with an appealing façade, improving accessibility and visibility.
- Expanded children’s library areas, offering a larger and more accommodating space for young readers.
- A dedicated SmartCape space for children will be created while the adult SmartCape facility will be improved.
- The existing community hall will remain unchanged as part of the project.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the upgrade at the Hector Pietersen Memorial Library represents a meaningful investment in education, digital access, and community development. It addresses the need of a changing and expanding community.
According to Higham, the much bigger library will continue to provide safe spaces for learners to experience the wonderful world of reading. The facility will provide a lasting contribution to the Lwandle community, ensuring that the library remains a safe, inclusive, and future-ready public space that helps create a brighter future for all the residents.