Birchleigh book lover elected Friends of Libraries chairperson
“The secret to life is to be interested in the world around you,” Jeanette Guningham shared about why books are her dear friends.
One is likely to find book lover Jeanette Guningham (70) hidden in the tranquil back garden of a Birchleigh home.
Her blue eyes sparkle as she chats about the latest book she’s finished, Koors by Deon Meyer.
“The secret to life is to be interested in the world around you. Reading widens your knowledge and your horizons,” the mother-of-two shares.
Earlier this month, Jeanette was named chairperson of Friends of the Kempton Park Libraries. The organisation, which is 19 years old, was founded to assist librarians across the city to buy books for their libraries. By the end of this year, Friends of the Kempton Park Libraries will have raised R1-million since their founding.
“The majority of money from the metro often goes to non-fiction and study material,” Jeanette explains.
“This way, readers can gain access to best-sellers and fiction.”
Jeanette says she’s always loved books and will read almost anything, “except for Mills & Boon”, she teases about the short romance books.
When not relishing in the luxuries of reading, Jeanette enjoys needlework and Pilates.
During her time as chairperson of the Friends of the Kempton Park Libraries, she hopes to attract more young people to the organisation.
“We’ve been a part of this story since the beginning; it’s time for some new faces.”
Jeanette joined the organisation in 2003.
Projects hosted by the Friends of the Kempton Park Libraries include Vriendekring, where members learn more about handwork, Leeskring, scrapbooking and a small-business networking group. All these groups meet once a month.
Readers interested in joining the organisation can call Jeanette on 011 972 3278 or email at gunsten@mweb.co.za. Membership fees are R30 yearly.
“I would like to thank the helpful librarians,” Jeanette said. “Without them, none of this would’ve been possible.”
