Friends of Olivedale Library encourage more reading time
Despite the limited operating hours, volunteers remain dedicated to promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading within the community.
In a quiet corner of Olivedale lies a haven for book lovers, the Olivedale Library. However, changes in operating hours have prompted concerns among community members, particularly the dedicated group known as the Friends of Olivedale Library (FOOLS).
Traditionally, the library was a bustling hub of activity, welcoming visitors until 18:00 during the week and 17:00 on Saturdays. However, after COVID-19, the library’s hours were reduced. These changes have impacted library supporters, especially FOOLS, who work tirelessly to promote literacy and provide resources for the community.
Eleanor Woodman, secretary of FOOLS, expressed concerns about the implications of the reduced hours. “Years ago, when I first started here, the library would close at 17:00 on Saturday and during the week it would be from 9:30–18:00, which was great because people could pick up their kids from school after work and get to the library on their way home or a Saturday.” Woodman added, “Now we are at 09:00–17:00, Monday to Friday. Let’s face it, these days both parents work, they have to. Now they have to pick up their kids and try to make it to the library before 17:00 and nothing on a Saturday”.
Helen Stonebank, another member of FOOLS, agreed and emphasized the significance of Saturday hours. “It is still not open on Saturday, and that was our busiest day,” she said. “People are paying rates so they are paying for a service, and they are not getting it. It’s sad”.
Despite the challenges posed by limited operating hours, the FOOLS remain dedicated to promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading within the community. Stonebank encouraged families to utilise the library’s resources. “Some days there are families that come in with several kids, and they are all over the floor here looking at the books, and that’s wonderful, and that’s what we must encourage”.
Woodman explained that the impact of the changes is more than inconvenient, it affects the ability of children to access reading materials. “Our leaders always say children should read, that is how they learn, but we need to give them a way to do it because books are expensive, and that is why the library is here”.
Questions were sent to the City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Service on January 31 on why Olivedale Library times were decreased and whether they have plans to extend them. Their comments will be published when they are made available to us.
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