New Library in Worcester to Open Whole New World of Possibilities | Western Cape Government

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New Library in Worcester to Open Whole New World of Possibilities

22 July 2016

People living in the region of the Breede Valley were overjoyed when the Avian Park Library in Worcester was officially opened on Thursday 21 July 2016. The opening was part of an initiative run by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) resulting in new libraries being established in a number of districts in order to educate and empower both adults and the youth in various communities, bringing them closer together.

The day had a lot in store. Community members were enthusiastic and excited about their new library. The choirs from Victoria Park Primary School and Avian Park Primary School delighted the audience with their performances, and after Western Cape DCAS Minister Anroux Marais cut the ribbon, declaring the library open, everyone could help themselves to refreshments and familiarise themselves with the facility.

The new Avian Park Library provides an array of services. These include the provision of fiction and non-fiction books in three official languages (Afrikaans, English and Xhosa), internet access as well as printing, photocopying and scanning facilities. In addition, there are plans to work with schools in the area to show learners how to use the library to their advantage. The library will also offer outreach programmes and holiday programmes including storytelling sessions for young children.

The Breede Valley Municipality’s Executive Mayor Antoinette Steyn expressed her appreciation. “The Breede Valley is a valley of hope and love,” she said. “Language and education is particularly important in our valley. Our children have to move forward. We are the leaders today, but tomorrow it will be the children who stay behind and become the leaders”, she said. Minister Marais also encouraged the public to take full advantage of the opportunity that has been given to them. “In 2011 the people from the community of Avian Park asked for a library, and it is so wonderful that we can open it today. Today, here stands a wonderful building. I know this community will take good care of the library, because it is not ours or the staff’s library, it belongs to the community. It is a safe haven for both our children and older people to come to,” she said.

In providing libraries, DCAS wants to encourage children to read. Let us create well-informed, literate communities, BETTER TOGETHER.

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za