| Major upgrades on the books for Lwandle library | Major upgrades on the books for Lwandle library | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Library%20Header%20Image%20Header.jpeg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The City’s Community Services and Health Directorate will soon commence with major upgrades at the Hector Peterson Memorial library, which will double the size of the facility and significantly expand learning, digital access and study opportunities for the community. This was announced during a sod turning event at the library on Thursday, 18 February 2026.</p> | <p>The Hector Peterson Memorial Library has served the community of Lwandle for 28 years. Now, as the community continues to grow, the City is modernising and expanding the facility to ensure it remains a space where children can discover reading, where learners prepare for exams and residents access services in an increasingly digital world.</p><p>The library has 2 143 registered members and during October–December 2025, the library recorded a circulation of 2 615 items, welcomed 164 new members, and received 16 774 visits.</p><p>Construction is expected to commence at the end of the month with an anticipated completion period of six months.</p><p>The R14,8 million investment will include:</p><ul><li>Doubling the size of the current facility, significantly increasing space for users</li><li>A new extension with a dedicated study room and additional study spaces</li><li>A welcoming new main entrance with an appealing façade, improving accessibility and visibility</li><li>Expanded children’s library areas, offering a larger and more accommodating space for young readers</li><li>A dedicated SmartCape space for children will be created while the adult SmartCape facility will be improved</li></ul><p>The existing community hall will remain unchanged as part of the project.</p><p>‘The upgrade at the Hector Pietersen Memorial Library represents a meaningful investment in education, digital access, and community development and addresses the need of a changing and expanding community. The much bigger library will continue to provide safe spaces for learners to experience the wonderful world of reading. The facility will provide a lasting contribution to the Lwandle community, ensuring that the library remains a safe, inclusive, and future-ready public space that helps create a brighter future for all the residents,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.</p><p>The City continues to prioritise libraries as essential social infrastructure that supports education, digital inclusion and community development.</p><p>Other infrastructure investments include:</p><ul><li>Brown’s Farm Library will commence with Phase one during the current financial year, with conclusion of Phase two of the project within the next financial year.</li><li>Construction of the Khayelitsha Library is progressing well and nearing completion. Final occupancy certification is currently under way pending the installation of a water meter – a task being managed by the Water and Sanitation Department across the entire precinct.</li><li>The rebuilding of Suider-Strand Library is in the planning phase and will provide an opportunity to deliver a future-fit library, while taking an integrated approach to offer multiple, much needed City Services within one campus.</li></ul>
<p>The Hector Pietersen Memorial Library is expected to remain open for most of the renovation period. However, the final phase of the project may require a temporary closure. Should this be necessary, the community will be informed well in advance to ensure minimal disruption.</p><p>Should patrons require additional services, they may visit the following nearby libraries:</p><ul><li>Strand</li><li>Gordon’s Bay</li><li>Somerset West</li><li>Sir Lowry’s Pass</li></ul><p>Community members will be kept informed as the project progresses, with further updates to be shared closer to the commencement of construction.</p><p><strong>End</strong></p> | 2026-02-21T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#1f61ec30-8889-4114-8411-a3ee8477bc1b;L0|#01f61ec30-8889-4114-8411-a3ee8477bc1b|Libraries;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
