The Friends of the Library Scrapping Hobby Club was established in August 2005 by Ellen Hermse, with the support of then Birchleigh North librarian Marietjie Macnamara.

“At that time, scrapbooking was a popular hobby, and we knew enough library members and friends who would like to join,” said Hermse.

The club began with about eight members and steadily grew over the years.

At its peak, membership reached 30, the maximum number allowed due to the size of the hall, and there was even a waiting list.
During the pandemic, numbers declined to about 20, as many elderly members found virtual meetings challenging.

Currently, the club has 23 members and has been associated with the Friends of the Library since its inception.

Workshops and activities are held in the auditorium of the Birchleigh North Library, situated on the premises of the Coen Scholtz Recreation Centre in Mooifontein Drive, Kempton Park.

“The main purpose of the club is for members to create their own photo albums. However, it is about much more than scrapbooking. Many members also join and stay in the club because of a sense of belonging,” Hermse said.

She added that the club plays an important role in the local community.

It is inclusive, teaches new techniques and raises funds for local libraries to purchase books from readers’ wish lists. Over the years, it has also offered a variety of beginner courses and workshops.

Members benefit both creatively and personally.

New techniques and ideas are shared each month, internal exhibitions are held, and members are encouraged through praise and appreciation for their work.

Looking ahead, Hermse said the goal is to maintain the club’s high standards and to welcome anyone interested in preserving their photographic heritage.

During monthly workshops, participants receive a list of materials needed for each new project, step-by-step instructions and hands-on assistance.

Members bring their own photographs, paper, cardstock, embellishments and basic equipment such as glue and scissors.

Newcomers are not expected to immediately purchase specialised tools such as cutting mats or paper trimmers, as these are shared among members until they can obtain their own.

Workshops also include refreshments and time to socialise, strengthening friendships within the group.

The club can accommodate up to 30 members.

Once full, interested individuals are placed on a waiting list, though the wait is usually short. As each month features a new layout or project, no additional programmes are currently planned.

In 2025, members completed nine themed projects, which were combined into a full album for the annual exhibition. Fifteen members participated in the competition.

“It’s not highly competitive,” Hermse said. “It’s more a show, tell and brag exercise.”

Members vote for their favourites by ballot, and throughout the year, they are taught good scrapbooking practices and techniques to avoid common mistakes.

There are two categories: Best Album by a newcomer who joined since January, and Best Album including all 2025 projects. Internal exhibitions are held monthly, while the competition takes place once a year.

The 2025 winners were Hettie Ras (Best Album) and Buhle Ncube (Best Beginner). Their albums stood out for following basic scrapbooking principles and for their visual appeal. Hettie has been a member since April 2009, while Buhle joined in March 2025. Certificates were awarded as prizes.

Encouraging aspiring scrapbookers, Hettie described the hobby as “very relaxing and satisfying when I looked at the final product. It is also a stress-relieving hobby.”

“In 2025, while tidying up my home, I stumbled upon a scrapbook I made years ago. Flipping through its pages sparked two wonderful realisations: first, my passion for photography and design that I had set aside due to work and life commitments, and second, my desire to engage in a hobby that would allow me to connect with new friends. I subsequently joined the Kempton Park scrapbooking classes.

“The classes have been incredibly therapeutic and a wonderful way to unwind, sparking my creativity. Every month brings exciting new challenges that inspire me.

“Spending time with the ladies has been priceless.

“I am humbled that I received an award last month. I was honestly pleasantly surprised,” said Ncube.

Anyone interested in joining can contact Hermse on 072 594 9050 to receive more information and a monthly email invitation.

Members also join a WhatsApp group where they exchange questions and tips. A yearly fee is payable to join the Friends of the Library, and a small monthly fee is charged for workshop attendance.