Tshelimnyama community welcomes launch of new library

Efforts by the eThekwini Municipality to empower residents with knowledge were welcomed by the Tshelimnyama community with open arms as a new library, to the value of R25 million, was officially opened, recently.

The grand opening was met with thunderous excitement from residents when eThekwini mayor, Cllr Mxolisi Kaunda opened the library.

He said that the library, which will serve as a multi-purpose facility, will greatly benefit the community, who have previously had difficulty accessing information and resources.

Equipped with a ‘cyber-zone’, a mezzanine floor with study space, a gaming area, and a generator to operate during power outages, Mayor Kaunda believes it will play a crucial role in the community.

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“This is a great initiative by the city as the facility will provide various educational, community socio-economic development, youth development and cultural programmes. The community will have access to information that can change their lives,” said Mayor Kaunda.

The construction of the Tshelimnyama Library was not without its benefits, as job opportunities were created for locals during and post-construction. There are currently seven staff employed at the library, including two librarians, two library assistants, a cyber cadet, a cleaning staff and a security guard.

Mayor Kaunda also urged residents to practice civic pride by looking after the facility. Ingiphile Duma, from Jubilee Junior Primary School, graciously thanked the municipality for the library. “This facility will promote information sharing and create a culture of reading which will keep youth off the streets,” said Duma.