Valhalla Park Library has been named Library of the Year by the City of Cape Town at their annual Information Services Awards.
This is thanks to its dedicated staff who has created a safe learning space where children can be educated while being fed a warm meal at the same time.
On a regular basis, staff dig into their own pockets to feed the hungry kids, who stream through their doors every day but especially for special events like Madiba Day or Heritage Day.
The library also boasts a book club and a tea club, while they host an annual reading competition.
Valhalla Park is rife with gangsterism, crime and substance abuse, while unemployment plays a big role in the prevalent poverty and high rate of school absenteeism.
Ward Councillor Charles Esau says despite these challenges, library staff remain dedicated and are passionate about their roles as educators through reading.
“You can feel the love and warmth when you walk into the library. Despite the location of the library, these staff members are dedicated and are hardly absent.”
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien says some of the staff members have been serving the community for 22 years, and the facility has also won other prizes, like the Provincial Cultural Award for the best book club at a public library, and being the custodian of the ‘Read for my future @ my library’ campaign, which has become a City-wide reading competition.
Valhalla Park Library has been named Library of the Year by the City of Cape Town at their annual Information Services Awards. Picture: Supplied
He says the Library of the Year award is based on factors such as the amount of programmes presented, items in circulation, letters of commendation and Facebook Likes.
WINNER: Library of the year award. Picture: Supplied
Badroodien commended staff at all City libraries which he hopes will become the heartbeats of communities as hubs of information sharing and learning.
“Our librarians put so much of themselves into their libraries and this is why each library feels different and it’s why patrons feel comfortable enough to stay for hours, enjoying the space that has been created.
“Libraries are more than just places where you can lend books, music and art.
“They are an important part of our access to information and an integral part of building a literate society with access to information.”
Esau says the City paid for new furniture and new books at Valhalla Park Library.
LEARN: Valhalla Library is a safe space for children. Picture: Supplied
Librarian Sandra Rousseau who has been at the library since 2017, says they always make sure the children have something to eat during programmes.
“When programmes like Madiba Day is held, we as staff will put our money together and buy bread and chips and make sandwiches for the children.