Two City libraries celebrate more than a century combined
10 October 2025
The City of Cape Town’s Somerset West and Rocklands libraries celebrated their 60th and 45th birthdays this week.
‘By celebrating the milestones of our libraries, we highlight their role as vital community hubs for learning and connection. It gives us an opportunity to showcase these facilities as more than just places for books, and acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who contributed to the role and value of our libraries. This includes librarians, other staff members, the friends groups, volunteers, patrons and those who simply have a heart for libraries. They’re all a part of what makes our libraries such iconic and loved spaces,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Somerset West Library
The library celebrated the 60th anniversary of its Victoria Street building, which first opened to the public on 29 November 1965. The actual library service is 128 years old and is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Helderberg.
In 1982, major extensions were added to the Victoria Street building, which included a children’s library, an Africana Room, and a group activity hall. The 1990s saw further expansions and modernisation and by 1987, circulation had grown to 309 039 items, with English fiction making up 45% of loans and over 13 000 magazines borrowed.
The Friends of Somerset West Library were founded in 1988 and continues to play a vital role in fundraising and supporting programmes.
Today, Somerset West Library is recognised as one of the top three performing libraries in the City of Cape Town, adding more than 100 new members every month and recording some of the highest usage of digital services such as PressReader and Libby in the Western Cape.
Rocklands Library
The library was established on 6 October 1980 during a challenging time for the community and this has carried through in the dedication of its staff.
One of their goals is to uplift the community and empower residents and offer a number of programmes for younger patrons, such as reading, coding, chess and more.
This week Kaden Michaels (representing Rocklands Library) won gold in the finals of the chess@libraries competition held in Parow.
The library itself has won a number of awards throughout the years, including the Most Involved Community Library, the Best Public Library, and Best Youth Services.
A birthday celebration earlier today was attended by retired staff members, including Bruce Meyer who worked at the library in the 80s, local author Alicia English and entertainment by Rocklands Primary School and the Sunshine Senior Club.
Registered library members can access the City’s digital offerings by visiting e-resources (capetown.gov.za). eBooks and audio books are available to access or download via the Overdrive Digital Platform or the Libby App on smart devices.
Access to more than 7 000 local and international newspapers and magazines are available to access or download via the PressReader platform or app.
Access the online catalogue at opac.capetown.gov.za .
Caption 1: Rocklands Library celebrated 45 years of service to their community.
Caption 2: The Somerset West Library celebrated 60 years in its Victoria Street location.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
