New library set up in Imizamo Yethu
SHARING THE STORIES: Silke Rylands started a library with her husband
A Hout Bay community leader has launched Imizamo Yethu’s very own community library which will be a place of learning and safety for vulnerable children and adults in the area.
Situated in the informal settlement’s community hall, residents will now be able to get their hands on novels and educational literature.
Silke Rylands, 37, a community leader and co-chairperson of Ubuntu Charity eV hails from Germany and has been living in Cape Town since 2018.
She says the idea to start a library came to mind in July: “A friend of mine moved house, she gave me some things which included books, then I wondered what I’d do with the books.
“My husband, Shahied, then suggested I open a library, and we started to collect more books. We made posts all over social media and private donors supplied us.”
Those living in the area can visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 9am and 11am. The books can be kept for a maximum duration of two weeks.
Lifa Poswea, 12, says he and his friends look forward to making use of the facility: “It feels good (to have a library here). I am going to visit regularly. Reading is important.”
Nompumelelo Sidumo, 51, says she supports the initiative: “Many kids here don’t attend school. This can also be used as a place for aftercare.”
Mother of two, Thembisa Jantjies, 31, says she will encourage her children: “I heard about the opening of the library, so I am very impressed. Here are books they could read, and in this way learn more.”
Rylands says she aims to move the library to a brick-walled structure by mid next year.