Olivedale Library volunteers want library to open on Saturdays
Friends of Olivedale Library are hoping for public libraries to be opened on Saturdays
Much of the success of Olivedale Library is thanks to the group of community members who raise funds for new books, maintain the library as far as volunteers can at a municipal facility and host events there.
The Friends of Olivedale Library have a passion for people, and of course, for books.
It was their complaints to the Randburg Sun and Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau, which were escalated to City Spokespeople to see the library reopened earlier this years after it was closed for three months erroneously by the City’s billing department.
Also read: Friends of Olivedale Library glad to be back
The group has called for the reopening of public libraries on Saturdays, after the City of Johannesburg Library Services made the decision during lockdown to only have its libraries open during week days.
“Youngsters have school and extra-murals, and most adults work during the week, so it is so important to reopen on Saturdays again,” said the group’s chairperson, Bette Kun.
“It is much more convenient to come through on a Saturday to look at books, than to find time during working hours in the week to squeeze in a visit.”
The group’s secretary Eleanor Woodman and former chairperson, Jackie Young agreed
Young said libraries are a parallel education system and a means of promoting literacy.
“Many schools do not have libraries anymore therefore public libraries are the only way for people to have books to read, for free,” she said.
“Trying for free books on tablets are not the kind of reading young people need generally speaking, and of course the Kindle type of reading doesn’t have the benefit of professional librarians for their expertise, information, encouragement and advice.”
Also Read: 4 reasons why you should read – Friends of Olivedale Library
Randburg Sun has contacted spokespeople from the City of Johannesburg and sent them questions.
Their comments will be published when they are made.
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