A new chapter for this historic, rural library
" She went on to add that, looking at all the cracks and peeling paint in the library, she thought, "old lady, you need a facelift!"
International relations, a caring heart and old fashioned hard work has seen a rural school library get a new lease on life to benefit children and adults in the Rorke’s Drift area. Marie Lee, a volunteer with the USA Peace Corps, who works at the Oscarberg School, pioneered the project to have the school library renovated. The official opening held last Friday saw 400 parents, children and dignitaries watch Mr Mavundla of the KZN Educational Library Information and Technological Services cut the ribbon.
It was an emotional moment. Marie told the Courier that the ‘venerable old stone building, in which the library is housed, had undergone many transformations in its long history but was suffering from age and neglect.
Marie explained that her inspiration for the renovation came when she was conducting a library class last year.
“I looked at the excitement on the faces of the children and thought that they deserved a beautiful and inspirational place in which to develop the love of reading.” She went on to add that, looking at all the cracks and peeling paint in the library, she thought, “old lady, you need a facelift!”
She applied for a grant from the US Peace Corps and, using local materials and labour, was able to resurrect the ‘old lady.’ Marie also received donations of books from Dundee Rotary, expertise and guidance from Charles Aikenhead of Rorke’s Drift Hotel and says that many people gave her discounts on materials or provided goods and services, including a new chandelier for the entrance, donated by Frank Allewell of Cape Town. Marie made the mosaic title and the ‘tree of knowledge’ that frames the doorway. “Reading is not optional in today’s world,” Marie told the Courier, “it is mandatory.”
Others echoed that sentiment during the opening ceremony. Adults in the local community are equally enthusiastic in their embracing the idea of adopting the reading habit, buying books to take home to start their own home libraries. As guests wandered through the library, the furnishings and transformation dazzled many locals.
“I’m dreaming,” said the principal, BM Zulu, “we are not in Rorke’s Drift – we are somewhere else.” “I wanted to create magic,” Marie said, “and I think we achieved it. I hope tourists coming to the battlefield will drop in to visit us. Hopefully, we will serve as an inspiration to everyone – with a little money, some creativity and a lot of help, we can perform miracles.”
The Department’s Mr Mavundla was equally impressed as it is the role of ELITS (Educational Library Information and Technological Services) to set up libraries and run and improve education via literacy. The Oscarberg Primary will certainly go a long way in helping to realise that goal. The formalities were concluded with speeches and a buffet lunch.
