The Tshwane metro has opened the Akasia Community Library, a long-awaited resource for the residents of Akasia in the north of Pretoria.
The library, located at Erf 207/303 in Ward 4, aims to provide crucial services to support learning, technology, and community development.
The construction of the library began in October 2017 and was initially set for completion by November 2018.
MEC Chiloane encouraged the community to cherish and protect this infrastructure, and ensure that it remains a safe and inspiring learning hub for generations to come.#GrowingGautengTogether#SALibraryWeek pic.twitter.com/i8IiusfBi7
— Gauteng Dept. of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation (@GautengSACR) March 17, 2025
However, a range of challenges caused delays, pushing back the completion date several times.
Tshwane MMC for Community and Social Development Services Palesa Modise said the library will contribute to creating an innovative society.
“Libraries are more than just buildings; they are places where knowledge is shared, where children can explore worlds beyond their own, and where the entire community can gain access to technology and information,” said Modise.
[IN PICTURES]: The Akasia Library was officially opened by MEC Matome Chiloane alongside MMC Palesa Modise. The event featured book exhibitions, poetry, dance performances, and more. Giveaways were distributed to ECD schools, and winners of the spelling bee received their prizes. pic.twitter.com/RKPzqUTLtm
— Gauteng Dept. of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation (@GautengSACR) March 17, 2025
The Akasia community library offers an extensive range of services to cater to the diverse needs of the community.
These include general information provision, assistance with school projects, and access to community information.
The library is also home to wide variety of books for all ages, including fiction, non-fiction, books for newly literate readers, and even foreign language books.
Magazines, newspapers, and both electronic and physical copies of these materials are also available.
Modise said to encourage reading among young learners, the library will also facilitate item reservations and inter-library loans.
“A study facility is available for students and community members.
“For students who require technology access, the library provides public computers with internet service, and there is a free Wi-Fi facility for users,” said Modise.
South African Library Week 2025, celebrated from March 17–23 under the theme “Libraries for Sustainable Communities,” highlights the vital role of libraries in education, digital access, and lifelong learning.#SALibraryWeek#GrowingGautengTogether pic.twitter.com/2VJFydFKN1
— Gauteng Dept. of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation (@GautengSACR) March 17, 2025
Ward councillor Ridge Petersen previously told Rekord that the delays were reportedly due to an impasse at the site between the main contractor, the Gauteng Infrastructure Development and the Gauteng Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation departments.
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