Kleinmond Library upgraded to state-of-the-art hub | Western Cape Government

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Kleinmond Library upgraded to state-of-the-art hub

18 July 2016

 

On Friday 15 July 2016 the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), Anroux Marais, and the Overstrand Municipality Mayor, Alderlady Nicolette Guthrie-Botha, officially opened the state-of-the-art Kleinmond Library following a R5-million upgrade.

Stefan Wehmeyer, Deputy Director of the Library Service, said in his address that: “Kleinmond has been part of the Western Cape Library Service for almost 60 years – it was in 1958 that they received books for the town’s first makeshift library”. This double-storey building has been dubbed the heart of Kleinmond, and besides the usual library facilities it boasts a boardroom, an activity room and a vast children’s section.

The library has over 25 000 items (books and other materials) as well as computers with free internet access provided by the Rural Connectivity Project. Access to the internet will assist library-goers to improve their computer skills, do research and to look for jobs online.

Minister Marais also presented the library with hand-crafted chess tables resulting from a partnership between DCAS and Correctional Services. The tables were made by the staff and inmates of various correctional facilities, and the handover was in line with the department’s goal to encourage libraries in the Western Cape to provide access to the game and in so doing facilitate mass participation, talent identification and positive youth development.

In her keynote address, Minister Marais said: “This library will indeed contribute towards our vision of a socially inclusive, creative, active and connected Western Cape, as libraries are the social hub of our communities.” Minister Marais thanked all role players, including the Overstrand Municipality, for the successful completion of the library upgrade.

In providing libraries, DCAS wants to encourage the 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