As 2026 begins, Friends of Olivedale Library (Fool) reflected on a successful year of community service, despite challenges.

Volunteers and donors helped make events and fundraising activities possible throughout 2025. Highlights included engaging speakers at monthly members’ mornings, covering topics from life in the Arctic Circle to the Seven Wonders of the World, and a lively sing-along with musician Gary Marsh.

Read more: Donation of library trolley brings reading to Stephenson Primary School

The library’s bookshop was upgraded with new bookcases, and librarians Roselle Ieijkenberg and Liz Tune added over 300 new books, funded by bookshop sales and three successful R10 sale days, with another planned for December 12.

Eleanor Woodman thanked Fool’s local heroes, who, for her, were the librarians, volunteers, donors, and committee members who keep the library running smoothly.

Despite water shortages, vandalism, and a flood that destroyed books, the organisation remained active and welcoming.

Looking ahead to 2026, Fool hopes the Johannesburg Library Organisation will reopen libraries on Saturdays and extend weekday hours, allowing more children and adults to access books they cannot afford and visit libraries outside working hours.

Also read: Linden Community Policing Forum reflects on a meaningful 2025 and extends warm holiday wishes

Woodman extended New Year’s wishes to the Randburg Sun readers, wishing them a peaceful, prosperous year, an end to load-shedding, smoother roads, good health, and continued enjoyment of books and community activities.

Fool invites everyone to visit the library in 2026, share ideas, and enjoy the welcoming smiles of volunteers and librarians alike.

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