Masiphumelele Library and ‘Our Park’ [Eyethu in Xhosa]
The
Library is an exciting and vibrant place – it attracts people
to visit and most importantly, it helps them to help themselves
once they are there.
Susan Alexander co-ordinates activities at Masiphumelele Library and it is under her leadership that it has flourished and developed a comprehensive outreach programme.
The programmes distinguish this library – the service it offers has been a great success and is a highly valued resource in Masiphumelele
From the beginning, many of the programmes were over-subscribed and the
enthusiasm for more, expressed by residents of Masiphumelele, encouraged
everyone.
We now have over 75 volunteers running 19 programmes! Click here to meet some of our super team of volunteers
In 2005 Masiphumelele Library was awarded the Western Cape Arts and Culture Award for “The Most Community Involved Public Library”.
Last year the Library issued over 11,000 adult and over 24,000 children’s
books. During the same period the outreach activities were attended by more
than 34,000 participants. Click
here to see more details.
Such is the success of the Library that we are now busy helping to extend it
for the second time! Click here for more
news about this.
Through
the generosity of our donors, we built the Library, extended it
and we help fund many of the Library staff and education programmes.
It is an important part of our work and with additional funding
we can do even more for the people of Masiphumelele.
Next to the Library we have built a green park with a playground for the children.
It is the only patch of green in the otherwise barren landscape of the township.