The Drieziek 4 Library in Orange Farm, was officially handed over to the City of Joburg by Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) Morakane Mosupyoe of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Gauteng on Friday, 24 May.
Councillor Lubabalo Magwentshu, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development in Johannesburg, accepted the library on behalf of the city and the Drieziek community.
MEC Mosupyoe said: “The Drieziek Library is a cooperative outcome of a beneficial relationship between the National Department of Arts and Culture (NDAC), Gauteng Provincial Administration (GPA), and the City of Johannesburg. This library is proof that when government works together, projects, programmes, and initiatives as required by the community do materialise.”
MMC Magwentshu emphasised the importance of shared responsibility, urging the community to keep the library clean, prevent vandalism, and maintain the facilities for future generations.
“It has been a long wait, but the community, especially learners, will now be able to access and enjoy lending services, research support, study space, eLearning programmes, and much more,” said MMC Magwentshu.
Amid loud applause and ululation, he continued, “In an ideal world, every learner should have access to a library within walking distance, and every community member should have a space like this one for recreation and gathering. You, as a community, are very privileged to receive this library, and we, as government, have fulfilled our mandate to provide services that support education, socialising, and empowerment.”
The Drieziek Library will offer the following services:
•Lending services (print and online)
•Reference service and research support
•Study space and support with access to study areas
•Programme implementation, including reading development programmes such as the Battle of the Books and the Story Skirmish starting in July 2024
•eLearning programmes such as digital skills and basic coding for children of all ages
•Children’s services, including homework assistance, story hours, and holiday programmes
•Photocopying servicesThe NDAC provided grant funding for the library, while the province, through Public Works, managed the construction. The City of Joburg, through Community Development – Library and Information Services, will administer, operate, and maintain the library with city funds.
The Drieziek Library will fulfil various community-centred roles:
•Community Centre: A place for learning, socialising, meetings, business, research, and education for children.
•Entertainment Space: Offering fiction books, audiobooks, and online resources for community enjoyment.
•Empowerment Centre: Providing digital skills training, reading and learning skills, and assistance with online job applications.
•Knowledge and Information Centre: Supporting lifelong learning through various print and online resources.
•Education Space: Encouraging quiet reading, learning, research, and community discussions.
•Safe Hub for Children: Promoting early literacy skills, homework assistance and holiday programmes in a safe environment.
•eLearning Centre: Promoting social transformation by providing digital skills and access to electronic information resources for residents.
The library will be open to the public from Monday, 27 May 2024. Library hours are as follows: Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00.
