VEREENIGING. – A culture of reading is one which should be instilled in every learner and this is exactly what Hoërskool Drie Riviere had in mind when they started the journey of building their own library eight years ago. The school opened the doors of the Gary Mann Library to learners since February this year.

Midvaal Local Municipality Executive Mayor and former learner of the school, Bongani Baloyi, officially opened the library. Baloyi says, “I had the great pleasure tonight to open the new Gary Mann Library at my former school Hoërskool Drie Riviere. I hope this library opens the minds and liberates the young people who have access to it. What an honour for me. I wish the school all the best.”

In attendence were learners, staff, the SGB, special guests and the community at large. School Principal, Adele van der Merve says, “We would like to extend our gratitude to members of the community who played a role in the existence of the library to most notably, Rotary Vereeniging and the Mann family, after whom the library is named.” To date, a total number of 1 227 books have been loaned to learners with 337 active borrowers which is very close to half the school.

“Looking at the future, the school wishes to install WiFi capability, an E-book loaning system, and expand to a fully functioning Media Centre.” Van der Merve said that in the coming year, the school would like to open the library to its parents, followed by access for the broader community.

“In doing so, the school aims to contribute to the community that has supported it, with the achievement of this very worthwhile goal.”