“I have lived in Weltevreden Park for years and didn’t know there was library here.” This is often heard by the librarians once a resident discovers the library and pops in. Weltevreden Park Library is a gem within the heart of the suburb. Its staff strives to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. They are always happy to welcome new users to the library.
The library offers free Wi-Fi, a good selection of books and access to services such as Press Reader for reading newspapers and magazines and e-books on the City of Johannesburg’s Library Information Services’ Overdrive platform.
Weltevreden Park Library holds a variety of programmes ranging from weekly story hours for primary school children to monthly adult reading circle meetings. It also holds tea and inspiration mornings once a month, where speakers are invited to address community members, and all enjoy tea and a chat afterwards.
It is available for library orientation sessions for pupils and teachers. Teachers are especially encouraged to contact the library to participate in the Joburg Public Libraries’ reading development programmes, Battle of the Books and Story Skirmish that are book-based inter-school and knockout quizzes for pupils from grades 4-7.
Libraries also have an information literacy programme called Science Scuffle, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovations. The latest addition to reading development is also a digital literacy programme called MobiReadathon.
The library can be contacted on 011 679 3406. Library hours: Mondays to Fridays 9:00 – 17:00. Address: 1203 Fern Rd, Weltevreden Park.
“We as staff members like nothing better than seeing the awe and wonder in children’s eyes when they visit the library for the first time,” says Senior Librarian Gwyneth Perry.
Schools are also welcome to join the library to take out block loans of books for use in their classrooms.
During the school holidays, programmes are arranged to entertain the children and this December will see the library holding three programmes, including a visit from the Johannesburg Zoo on 8 December, and a Learn not to burn programme presented by the City’s Emergency Management Services on 13 December. It is also hoped that regular coding events for children will be held in the library from 2024.
“We are here to serve you,” says Gwyneth Perry. “Pop in and visit and make the Weltevreden Park Library one of your go-to spots in the City. We look forward to welcoming you all to our space.”
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