The Tembisa library was officially opened by Ekurhuleni executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina on September 20.
Librarian Mahlodi Mdluli said the library was closed for renovation in December 2015 and it was expected to reopen its doors in January 2017.
But due to finishing touches being applied, it was only opened now.
The event was also attended by veteran librarians who served in the Tembisa library for a long time.
Joshua Khanyile served at the library for 40 years while Mathews Phaka served for 38 years.
Martin Kutumela served as a librarian at the Tembisa library for 27 years. The three longest-serving librarians were invited by the City of Ekurhuleni to attend the handover of the fully refurbished Tembisa library.
MMC for safety, Clr Dorah Mlambo, shared the library’s history since its inception in Tembisa.
She said the library was established in 1955.
“The library was situated in number one Kopanong Section from 1955 till 1968.
“During that time there were no qualified librarians but ordinary staff members who were rendering services.
“Around 1969 the library was moved to Mvelaphanda Primary School where it was run in a classroom.
“In 1970 it was moved to Rabasotho Hall and run in a back room.
“The library then moved to Ethafeni Hostel in 1976 and had mostly donated books. The library building before this one was officially opened in 1983,” said Mlambo.
She said currently the library membership is sitting at 1 680 people and she added that more people need to obtain library membership.
“This is a historic place and we are here to give the library a facelift because we believe it is an integral part of our work as a city as we are trying to make education fashionable.
“We are embarking on a journey of ensuring that there is no child from a disadvantaged community who does not have the opportunity to use a library.
“That is why we are launching libraries in a number of townships.”
The City of Ekurhuleni has increased their bursary budget to ensure that all matriculants that pass grade 12 are able to go to institutions of higher learning. It is only through support mechanisms like libraries, study groups, including the use of technology, for the city to achieve that.
“The community must be able to utilise the library to do research, to look for work opportunities but also to ensure that we encourage the culture of reading in our townships,” said Masina.
Librarian Mathews Mphaka said he is happy to see the revamped library.
Tembisa residents also made a request for the library to be open at night. To accommodate working people, the library was then open from 8am until 10pm.
Mphaka also said many projects were run by young and old at this library.
Duduzile Tshabalala (11), from Endulwini Primary School, said as young people they are privileged to have such a beautiful library.
“Many children around the world struggle to have access to education.
“In South Africa, we as children are blessed as to have a library where we can learn.”
Bathabile Ndlovu said she will now be able to come to the library to get all the help she needs.
“Coming here will improve my reading skills,” said Ndlovu.
