After five years in the making, the Dunoon library opened on Friday April 26.
The state-of-the-art three-storey building in Waxberry Street cost R40 million to build and was a joint venture between the City of Cape Town and provincial and national government.
The opening was attended by City officials, representatives from provincial and national government as well as local organisations and residents.
The facility boasts a host of features, including free internet access, wi-fi, a reference study section and a wide selection of books, CDs, DVDs and more.
Mayor Dan Plato cut the ribbon on the second floor among the bookshelves.
He said Dunoon residents and surrounding communities now had access to a wealth of knowledge.
“If the community embrace and make sure the children make use of this library, they will benefit tremendously,” said Mr Plato.
Ward 104 councillor Lubabalo Makeleni said he was happy to see the library’s doors open even though he felt it was “not the best timing”.
“It’s not the best time to open it. The elections are here, and everyone wants to claim victory. People are protesting for different things like service delivery and land. But regardless of the timing, I am happy the community will be able to use the facility,” he said.
Four of the eight posts at the library were filled by Dunoon residents, he said.
Boost Africa, said Dunoon children had for years walked to Milnerton and Table View’s libraries. The new library, she said, would ease pressure on the foundation, which runs a learning centre in Dunoon.
“There’s a lot here we can’t dream of offering the kids,” she said.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Anroux Marais, said: “By providing access to information, this new library will support the Dunoon community in exploring and challenging barriers, values, and behaviours as these relate to social integration. More importantly, libraries engage communities on matters of social importance and encourage the social inclusion of all while offering a sense of identity and belonging, all of which is much needed in today’s society.”
