Cape Town: The Lotus River Library celebrates its 40th birthday. The library is among one of 101 operated by the City of Cape Town, catering to 36,689 patrons from a number of surrounding areas.
The Lotus River Library was established on November 19, 1984 and has grown in leaps and since then it is bounding well. The library serves as a diverse community consisting of patrons from Schaapkraal, Lotus River, Eagle Park, Pelican Park and surroundings.
They are also making use of the library’s services considering various informal settlements including Jim se Bos, Egoli, Phumlani Village and Siqalo.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that the story of Lotus River Library is one of a small community library that is doing mighty things. They face many challenges, especially in an area where crime is high.
According to Ross, the team at the library is passionate about making a difference in their community and they are doing it with one outreach and one programme at a time.
Lotus River Library has won joint best facility at the City Awards in 2023 and was also nominated in September this year for the Cultural Awards for Substantial Contribution towards the Advancement of Reading and Literacy.
Furthermore, with only six staff members, the library is doing big things. Librarian Lois Wilson completed the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders training programme earlier this year.
Notably, Lotus River currently has 1,828 members and an annual circulation of 16,279. The library also has a book club and hosts a number of information and storytelling sessions and even fitness classes.
It became one of 22 facilities to incorporate a toy library, last month, as part of their offering to provide children with access to educational resources.
Councilor Van der Ross further stated that at Lotus River Library, the staff are committed to providing space, guidance and resources to the community they serve.
The library plays a vital role in ensuring that their patrons have access to available opportunities to learn and grow. “I wish then a happy birthday filled with many more decades of being a beacon in the area,” said Patricia Van der Ross.