In an effort to provide greater access to books and promote literacy within the community, the Friends of Olivedale Library (FOOLS) has announced an extension of their operation hours. Beginning June 5, the library’s bookshop will open on Wednesday afternoons from 14:00 until 16:30.
Eleanor Woodman, Secretary of FOOLS, explained the motivation behind the decision. “As a trial for two months, the bookshop will be opened on a Wednesday afternoon. This is in an effort to get more children to learn what books, libraries, and reading are all about.” Woodman explained the importance of accessibility, especially for families who may find it challenging to visit the library during traditional operating hours.
The decision to extend hours comes after the library faced reductions in operation times after Covid-19, impacting the accessibility of resources for the community. Helen Stonebank, another member of FOOLS, expressed concerns over the decreased availability. “It is still not open on Saturday, and that was our busiest day. People are paying rates so they are paying for a service, and they are not getting it. It’s sad.
FOOLS members have been advocating for increased access to the library, recognising its role as a vital community resource. Woodman highlighted the broader significance of the initiative. “By doing this, it can help us show Johannesburg Library Services that there is a need to reopen the library until 18:00 on weekdays and open from 09:00 until 13:00 on Saturdays. Libraries belong to ratepayers and they should be able to get their money’s worth.”
Woodman encouraged community members to take advantage of the opportunity. “Anyone, with the parent’s permission, can bring them [children]. Mums, dads, grannies, grandads, caregivers, nannies. It’s also an outing for them, especially during school holidays.”
The funds generated from book sales at FOOLS directly benefit the library, highlighting the collaborative effort to support literacy and educational initiatives within the community. Stonebank explained that as FOOLS extends its operation hours, it hopes to create a greater love for reading and learning among residents of Olivedale and beyond.
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