![Mayor of Mossel Bay Alderwoman Marie Ferreira, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa unveil a plaque at the library. Mayor of Mossel Bay Marie Ferreira, Minister Mbombo and Minister Mthethwa unveil a plaque at the library.](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/mayor_of_mossel_bay_marie_ferreira_minister_mbombo_and_minister_mthethwa_unveils_a_plaque_at_the_library.jpg)
The Mossel Bay Municipality partnered with the national Department of Arts and Culture, Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and the community to officially open the public library in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay on 27 June 2014.
The library was built at a total cost of R8,9m. Learners from four local Primary Schools, three Secondary Schools and many others in the area are expected to benefit. The launch of this particular library is a continuation of a journey that started many years ago; the journey of rebuilding this nation. To date, the partnership between the spheres of government has achieved the following: delivered 64 new libraries, 343 upgraded libraries and about 1274 jobs have been created in this sector.
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the work does not stop there. “It continues into the future until we have achieved vision 2030 as outlined in the National Development Plan. What we plan to do, and achieve, is to build 54 new libraries. We will upgrade 150 existing libraries between 2014 and 2017 as part of the community library conditional grant programme. We will mostly build new libraries in under-serviced areas and these libraries must be in close proximity to schools,” he said.
DCAS Minister Nomafrench Mbombo said the Western Cape Library Service provided five computer stations with free internet access to the public. In addition, there is a computer room connected to the library, which is used by Cape Access, a project run by the Department of the Premier with 11 computer stations with free internet access. “The partners are committed to promoting a culture of reading and we must encourage ourselves and our children to read as well,” she said.
Patrons will have access to 21 156 books. This will cover all the categories from reference for adults and children to fiction and non-fiction for children. The Library Service also subsidised the installation of the security book detection gates at the entrance of the library to the amount of R115 000. This is to prevent theft of library material.
The library is expected to enhance learning conditions in KwaNonqaba and provide stimulation and entertainment to residents.
Siviwe Gwarube
Spokesperson for Minister Mbombo
Tel: 021 483 9679
E-mail: siviwe.gwarube@westerncape.gov.za