Tafelsig Library: A community cornerstone for more than three decades

Since opening its doors on Friday October 1, 1991, the Tafelsig Library has grown into far more than a place to borrow books, becoming a vital community space that has supported education, health, and social development for more than three decades.

According to Francine Higham, mayoral committee member for community service and health, the establishment of the library was driven by the need to give children in the area access to information to assist with homework and school projects.

At the time, the community lacked dedicated facilities where pupils could study, read, and complete schoolwork in a safe environment.

Over the years, the library’s role expanded beyond its traditional function. In times of need, it adapted to support essential services within the community. One such instance was when the library hall was used to accommodate tuberculosis patients after the local clinic sustained fire damage. This allowed health services to continue while repairs were undertaken.

In more recent years, the library strengthened its relationship with local health services by partnering with the clinic during open days.

During the Covid-19 period, the library was used as a collection point for repeat medication, ensuring that residents could continue accessing treatment. The City of Cape Town’s Health Department Matrix programme also makes use of the library, with participants regularly taking part in library activities, said Ms Higham.

Education has remained at the heart of the library’s work. Local schools have been supported through class information visits, which include library orientation and access to information resources.

Schools such as Huguenot Primary School, Tafelsig Primary School, Cascade Primary School, Searidge Park Primary School, Yellowwood Primary School, and Mitchell’s Heights Primary School have also taken part in the annual Grade 6 reading competitions hosted by the library.

Pupils in the community have benefited from a wide range of programmes over the years. These include holiday programmes, story hours aimed particularly at early childhood development centres, and structured reading programmes.

The library has also offered digital literacy programmes, learner’s licence classes presented by the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Department when available, and hikes in the nearby nature reserve when arranged.

Adults have not been left out. The library hosts a book club, women’s information skills empowerment programmes, a knitting club and a sewing club.

For the past three years, members of the knitting and sewing clubs have donated their handmade items to various organisations on Mandela Day. Information sessions have also been held on topics such as gender-based violence and cancer awareness. The library has hosted author talks featuring writers including Tiettie and Nanna, and Hester Booysen.

Among the library’s most dedicated patrons is Aunty Esme Van Flemmering, 85, the oldest member of the book club. An avid reader, she visits the library more than once a week and counts James Patterson and John Connolly among her favourite authors.

The library’s legacy is also reflected in its staff. Letitia Booysen worked at the library from its opening in 1991 and served the community for 28 years before retiring in 2019. She was known for her passion for encouraging children to read and to become library members.

Strong partnerships have played a key role in the library’s success. Over the years, it has worked closely with all primary and high schools in the area, as well as organisations.