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Ocean View Library celebrates half a century

The City of Cape Town’s Ocean View Library is 50 years old.

The Ocean View Library was built and opened in 1972, four years after the community was established.Back then, Ocean View had a population of approximately 30 000 residents, but boasted two primary schools, a high school, shops, butcher, soccer field and then the library.'The library aimed to be instrumental in the growth and education of the community it served. In 1990, library staff honoured their local writers and artists including Gladys Thomas, Peter Clarke, Beverly Jansen and Frank Brown. Their works were displayed in the library and that same year the library started a literacy campaign,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/50th%20Group%20Photo.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:701px;" /> </figure>None of the schools in the area had their own library and Ocean View served as the central reference facility for the whole community. The library held regular educational programmes, literacy classes, talks on topical issues and other activities. The facility is a beacon in the community and during holiday programmes soup was served to many children. During its history the library had five librarians in charge - Sadia Adams, Asa Majiet, Jean Williams, Carmen Fowkes and Ashley Lewis. 'Each played a major role in the growth of the library and its current status within the community, because they were committed to uplifting, growing and developing the patrons, children, local schools and community. They made the space more than just a library and it became a safe recreational haven for many,' said Councillor Van der Ross. The library was extended in 1998 and the hall was transformed into the children`s section, while the old children`s section became the teenage section. The library has a reference section/a study room, an ECD toy library, and a puzzles and games section.The computers provide a vital service in the community, while the library is also the venue for EPWP enrolments and interviews. There are also regular storytelling programmes, movie days, a chess club, art classes and much more. This library is a haven for the children and youth in the area. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre/OV%20Staff.jpg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:1636px;" /> </figure>'The staff are committed and love going the extra mile for the community, patrons and children. Ocean View Library is all about uplifting their community and rendering the best services that would keep everyone coming back for the love of reading, books, and all the services that they render,' said acting librarian in charge, Fatima Kiel.A newly appointed librarian in charge will take up the position in November.The library is open from 11:00 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday, 11:00 to 16:00 on Fridays and from 9:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays. End

2022-10-10T22:00:00Z

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