Eastgate revamps Bedfordview Library children’s corner to inspire young readers

It was a fun-filled affair when Bedfordview Library unveiled its new vibrant and colourful children’s corner.

The revamp of the children’s corner was supported by Eastgate Shopping Centre who helped create a brighter, more inspiring and welcoming environment for young readers through a community upliftment initiative focused on literacy, creativity and belonging.

Officially unveiled on July 4, the upgraded space brought together local schools, community stakeholders and library representatives in a combined effort to create a meaningful and lasting impact for children and families who regularly use the library.

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As part of the improvements, outdated wall art, furniture and structures were removed, and some items were restored.

To help create a lighter and more inviting environment, the upgraded children’s corner received new seating for children, including colourful chairs and bean bags, alongside a decorative feature element designed to create a dedicated and welcoming identity for the space.

At the heart of the refresh are seven custom-painted canvas murals created by learners from local schools, adding colour, imagination and a sense of community ownership to the library environment.

Participating schools included Bedfordview Primary School, Reddam House Bedfordview, St Andrew’s School for Girls, St Benedict’s College and St Luke’s College.

By investing in the Children’s Fun Corner, Eastgate aims to support literacy and early learning by helping create an educational environment where children can read, imagine and engage comfortably.

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To mark the completion of the revamp, a small unveiling event was hosted at the library.

It was attended by community stakeholders, local leadership, library representatives and invited guests.

The occasion included a special performance by the Reddam School orchestra, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The unveiling also coincided with the monthly children’s fun corner event, held on the first Saturday of every month.

Hosted by Adv Mona Naidoo and Vis Naidoo, the themed programme invites children and their parents to enjoy a morning of storytelling, learning and creative activities designed to encourage a love of reading.

The July 4 event was particularly special as it marked the third birthday celebration of the children’s corner reading programme, giving regular attendees the opportunity to celebrate the milestone in the brightly upgraded space.

Also at the event was former Bedfordview Primary School teacher Jennifer (Flude) Ponte.

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In the 1980s, Jennifer hosted informal reading sessions at the library, bringing her class from the school for educational outings.

She said it was an enjoyable experience for the learners, but the initiative eventually came to an end after the education department became aware that she was taking learners off the school grounds.

Speaking about the revamp of the children’s corner, Ponte said it was wonderful to see the concept of the reading corner continuing more than 40 years later.

“Libraries are incredibly important spaces where children can learn, imagine and build a lifelong relationship with reading,” said Saadiyah Kahn, general manager at Eastgate Shopping Centre.

“We wanted to contribute to creating an environment that feels brighter, more welcoming and encourages young readers to spend time discovering the joy of books,” she added.

For more details and regular updates on Eastgate, visit www.eastgateshops.com or follow Eastgate on social media @eastgateshoppingcentre

For more information about the monthly readings hosted by Adv Naidoo on the first Saturday of each month, contact the library at 011 999 0083.