Friends of the Library Killarney are calling on residents to donate books and support a community book sale that will raise funds for improvements at the library. The fundraiser will take place at Killarney Mall on March 27 and 28 from 10:00 to 17:00, where visitors will be able to purchase books for just R20 each.

The initiative aims to strengthen the library as a welcoming and vibrant space for the community.

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Yasirah Madhi from Friends of the Library Killarney explained that the project is about more than simply selling books.

“We aim to bring publicity and upliftment to the library,” said Madhi. “With limited financial support available, initiatives like this allow the community to play an active role in keeping the library alive and relevant.”

Residents are encouraged to donate literature, poetry, cookbooks, reference books, children’s stories and other reading material by March 23.

According to Madhi, previous book sales have attracted a strong response from residents, resulting in a wide and varied selection of second-hand books being available for sale. The donated books are specifically used for the fundraising sale rather than being added to the library’s collection.

While the variety of genres continues to grow, Madhi said there is still a particular need for more children’s books.

“Modern fiction and contemporary titles are always popular, but we are especially in need of children’s books,” she said.

Beyond lending books, the library has been working to create a lively community hub through initiatives such as book readings, story time sessions and craft days. Funds raised from the sale help support these activities and cover practical needs, including materials, snacks for events and potential improvements to the building.

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“We want the library to be an attractive and safe space where people enjoy spending time,” Madhi added.

Volunteers also play an important role in the initiative, assisting with sorting donated books and helping manage sales during the event.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Friends of Library Killarney member Yasirah Madhi encourages the community to support the second-hand book sale to raise funds to improve the Killarney Library on March 27 and 28. Video: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe #Localnews #caxtonlocalmedia #johannesburg #Communitynews #newsupdate #educationalpurposes ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Madhi said the long-term vision is for the book sale to become an annual tradition that continues to strengthen the library while building a sense of shared ownership among residents.

“Hands-on involvement encourages people to visit the library and see it as their space,” she said.

With thousands of stories waiting to find new homes, the upcoming sale promises something for readers of every age and interest, while helping write a new chapter for Killarney’s beloved library.

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