Our readers extended a helping hand and donated a crate full of books to Fikile Farrow, the founder of Zenzele I mpumelelo library.

The donation of books were dropped off at the Herald office in Homelake.

Also read: Vandals almost destroy a woman’s big dream – a community library

In its edition of March 17 the Herald reported how the library in Zenzele was destroyed and almost 300 books vandalised.

Speaking to the Herald, Farrow said this shattered her dream but didn’t make her lose hope that she would be able to pick up the pieces and make the library function once again.

“I started the Zenzele I mpumelelo Library in 2019 with the hopes of instilling a culture of reading within the children of this community. I was really shattered when it was destroyed.

While we haven’t picked up the pieces to repair the library, I really am glad to have received the books and I’m thankful to those who donated.

“It means a lot to me to see people investing back into the community,” said Farrow who is adamant that she will get her library up and running once again.

Asked why she initially started the library, the enthusiastic Farrow said she wanted to create a place of hope for children in the area.

“The Majority of the Zenzele residents are socio-economically disadvantaged and I felt that it was very important for the children to adopt a culture of reading and have access to information.

Also read: WATCH: Librarian on the importance of reading

“This will empower them in more ways than one and will serve as a weapon to fight poverty.

As we all know, education can open doors we’ve never dreamt of and can unlock our potential,” said Farrow who added that the library has been a haven for children in the area and has helped to keep them off the streets.

She is also appealing to residents and local businesses to help build a fence or boundary wall around her library as a security measure that will deter criminals from vandalising the property.