Sir Lowry’s Pass Library launches Cool Space initiative

In a pioneering move to combat rising temperatures, Sir Lowry’s Pass Library has officially become the City of Cape Town’s first Cool Spaces pilot facility, transforming from a traditional community hub into a life-saving refuge for residents during periods of extreme heat.

The innovative pilot, launched as part of the City’s comprehensive Beat the Heat campaign, demonstrates how existing public facilities can be reimagined to protect vulnerable communities when temperatures soar. The initiative specifically targets those most at risk from extreme heat: elderly residents, outdoor workers, children, and communities in areas where increased greening faces local challenges.

A comprehensive cool haven

The Sir Lowry’s Pass facility now offers far more than books and information services. The pilot includes robust indoor cooling measures, guaranteed access to clean drinking water, strategically placed shaded outdoor areas, and comprehensive information materials to help residents navigate extreme heat periods safely. Child-friendly and educational activities ensure the space remains inclusive and welcoming for entire families seeking relief.

The launch event brought together an impressive coalition of City officials, Library and Information Services staff, partner departments, community members, and media representatives to showcase how trusted public facilities can be rapidly adapted to provide accessible cooling during scorching days and dangerous heatwaves.

Community-centered climate action

With millions of annual visits, Cape Town’s libraries represent trusted, accessible spaces perfectly positioned to offer critical relief when temperatures become dangerous. “These are already places where communities feel safe and welcome, which makes them ideal locations for heat response,” Higham added.

Proactive climate adaptation

Albert Ferreira, the City’s Manager for Resilience and Climate Change and Chief Heat Officer, highlighted the pilot’s practical approach to climate adaptation challenges. “Cape Town is already experiencing higher temperatures, and this trend is expected to continue. Cool Spaces are about providing immediate, accessible relief in places communities already trust. By using public facilities like libraries, we are responding proactively to heat risk while strengthening community resilience where it matters most.”

The initiative forms a crucial component of Cape Town’s Climate Change Action Plan and Heat Action Plan, representing the City’s commitment to community-based cooling interventions as temperatures continue rising across the metro.

Learning through community engagement

René Walker, Area Head for Library and Information Services, emphasised the importance of real-world testing in community settings. “This pilot allows us to learn directly from how communities use and experience the space. Libraries already function as community hubs, and the Cool Spaces pilot builds on this role by strengthening access, dignity, and resilience in response to climate realities.”

Collaborative innovation in action

The Cool Spaces pilot showcases exceptional interdepartmental collaboration, with Library and Information Services, Risk and Resilience, Disaster Risk Management, Recreation and Parks, and Urban Waste Management working seamlessly together to deliver this visible, practical, and people-centered intervention.

The launch celebration featured a comprehensive Cool Space walkthrough, environmental education sessions on recycling and littering, an engaging puppet show facilitated by Disaster Risk Management, children’s story reading featuring “Lulu and the Cool Space,” appearances by beloved City mascots LIBee and Bingo, and recreational activities hosted by Recreation and Parks.

Building the future

Insights gathered from the Sir Lowry’s Pass pilot will directly inform future planning and guide implementation of similar Cool Spaces across Cape Town’s extensive network of public facilities. The project represents a scalable model for climate adaptation that prioritizes community needs while leveraging existing infrastructure.

As Cape Town faces an increasingly challenging climate future, the transformation of Sir Lowry’s Pass Library demonstrates how innovative thinking and collaborative action can turn everyday public spaces into powerful tools for community protection and resilience.

Caption 1: Key stakeholders at the launch include (from left) Albert Ferreira, Manager Resilience and Climate Change; Raphael Snyders, former Librarian in Charge Sir Lowry’s Pass Library and currently Librarian in Charge at Meadowridge Library; Rene Schoombee, Area Head 6 LIS; Councillor Francine Higham; Councillor Ronel Viljoen, Portfolio Committee Chairperson Community Services and Health; Ninnie Steyn, Director LIS; and Zukiswa Mandlana, Executive Director Community Services and Health.