City’s libraries win provincial awards

11 February 2016

At this year’s provincial Cultural Affairs and Sport Awards, four of our City of Cape Town Libraries came out tops.  The event celebrated individuals and organisations in the Western Cape that makes a positive contribution in the cultural affairs sector.

These awards were given to those who have made a profound impact within the arts, culture, language, heritage, museums, archives, geographical names and library sectors in the province over the years.

Our libraries are places where our communities imagine, explore, interact and delve into their own and different cultures. We are proud of all our libraries and our innovative and creative librarians.

The Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Special Projects, Alderman Belinda Walker, said ‘Libraries have become art centres and are inspiring young people to explore and learn. With these awards, our libraries have been recognised as being more than just buildings from which books can be borrowed. They are hubs which encompass art, culture and recreation. They deserve the accolades that they have been given.’

Our Central Library’s Art Library work hard to grow the love, awareness and passion for art within the commuity, holding creative art exhibitions in the library gallery. For this they were proud to be awarded Best Contribution to Visual Arts, including Public Arts.

The Best Public Library: Youth Services Award went to Kensington Public Library for their significant strides in contributing toward the development of the community, particularly the youth. They offer their youth opportunities like the sewing club, computer literacy classes and a career expo.

The award for Best Medium-Sized Public Library (four to eight staff members) went to Masiphumlele Public Library. This library has grown in leaps and bounds in the last couple of years, with projects ranging from fine arts to the Ikama Youth Partnership.

Bellville Library walked away with the award for the Best Large Public Library (more than nine staff members). ‘This library is a shining example of moving with the times. Their out-of-the-box thinking, like the takeaway service which addresses the area’s parking challenges, means their patrons receive exceptional customer service all the time,’ said Alderman Walker.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office