Four decades ago, Atilla Lourens started her career in Soweto at the age of 24, not knowing how many lives she would touch and the significant changes she would help steer in the City of Johannesburg.
“As a librarian you have to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a career that’s supposed to inspire people to reach for the stars,” Atilla says.
Atilla retires todays after 41 years. Her career started on 2 July 1984 with the Soweto City Council as a Chief Librarian, which later changed to City Librarian. Armed with a degree in Library Science from the University of Johannesburg, she started her career at a time when the country was still divided.
She vividly remembers her first day driving into Soweto. At the time, there were two libraries. By the time she left five additional libraries had been established including an allocated budget to purchase books relevant to the information needs of Sowetans – a milestone she considers among the most rewarding of her career.
In the early 2000s she had a stint as Regional Manager tasked with directing and developing Library and Information Services (LIS) across Johannesburg’s regions three and seven. She was part of the team, under the leadership of Bongi Mokaba, that helped secure a $500 000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 2001, which focused on developing children’s services. She also contributed to adding public bathrooms to the former Johannesburg Public Libraries changing their role from circulation libraries to study libraries.
In 2003, she was appointed Deputy Director LIS. Atilla developed policies such as the Minimum Standards for Public Library Services and the Management of Library Resources and Facilities. Her policy on internet access in 2004 was based on theory as access to the internet was still in its infancy in libraries. She is not fond of gadgets for children, preferring traditional reading for language skills and comprehension.
In 2005, she and her team secured a further grant of $2 million towards the Africanisation and upgrading of the special collections at the Johannesburg City Library and implemented an integrated computerised library system for the public libraries. She was instrumental in securing a further $2,5 million from the Carnegie Corporation to turn the Johannesburg City Library into a Centre of Excellence.
She obtained the commitment from the City to allocate R100 million towards the upgrading and extension of the Johannesburg City Library. She led a team of dedicated librarians who directed the renovation project between 2009 to 2012 at the Johannesburg City Library.
Atilla, born in the Eastern Cape, moved frequently across South Africa and Namibia. Her father instilled in her the importance of treating everyone with respect regardless of race and culture.
She admits she’s scared of the chapter of retirement but will spend time reading and finding practical and impactful things to do. She remains connected to libraries with her involvement with the Friends of the Library. Atilla cherishes her relationship with her two sons and four grandchildren.
As she sets off on her new chapter, she is confident in her team. “We have an amazing team to carry on with projects and policies.”
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
31/01/2025