Lotus River Library celebrates 40th birthday | Lotus River Library celebrates 40th birthday | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/belhar_header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The library is one of 101 operated by the City of Cape Town, catering to 36 689 patrons from a number of surrounding areas.<br></p> | <p>Lotus River Library opened its doors on 19 November 1984 and has grown in leaps and bounds since then. </p><p>The library serves a diverse community consisting of patrons from Schaapkraal, Lotus River, Eagle Park, Pelican Park and surrounds. Also making use of the library’s services are various informal settlements including Jim se Bos, Egoli, Phumlani Village and Siqalo. </p><span>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/40th%20Lotus%20river%20Library.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><p>‘The story of Lotus River Library is one of a small community library that is doing mighty things. They face many challenges, especially in an area where crime is high. Yet, the team at the library is passionate about making a difference in their community and they are doing it with one outreach and one programme at a time,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.</p><p>Lotus River Library has won joint best facility at the City Awards in 2023 and was also nominated in September this year for the Cultural Awards for Substantial Contribution towards the Advancement of Reading and Literacy. </p><p>With only six staff members, the library is doing big things. Librarian Lois Wilson completed the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders training programme earlier this year.</p><span>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/40th%20Lotus%20River%20Library%20%202.jpg" alt="" style="width:949px;" /> </figure></span><p>Lotus River currently has 1 828 members and an annual circulation of 16 279.</p><p>The library also has a book club and hosts a number of information and storytelling sessions, and even fitness classes.</p><p>Last month, it became one of 22 facilities to incorporate a toy library as part of their offering to provide children with access to educational resources.</p><p>‘At Lotus River Library, the staff are committed to providing space, guidance and resources to the community they serve. Given its location, the library plays a vital role in ensuring their patrons have access to available opportunities to learn and grow. I wish them a happy birthday filled with many more decades of being a beacon in the area,’ said Councillor Van der Ross.</p><p><strong>Caption 1:</strong> Lotus River Library is proud of their 40th birthday display.</p><p><strong>Caption 2:</strong> Lotus River Library staff members from left are assistant librarians Fenancia Magazi and Ammaarah Abrahams; library aide Andre Bailey; senior libriarian Amina Essa; librarian Lois Wilson and assistant librarian Fatiema Stanley.</p><p><br><strong>End</strong><br></p> | 2024-11-17T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#d70000b8-8e1c-4339-9579-afdb0bf05aa6;L0|#0d70000b8-8e1c-4339-9579-afdb0bf05aa6|Lotus River;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#1f61ec30-8889-4114-8411-a3ee8477bc1b;L0|#01f61ec30-8889-4114-8411-a3ee8477bc1b|Libraries;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |