Six decades: Somerset West Library marks building anniversary

One of the Helderberg’s treasured learning resources, the Somerset West Library which has delighted bookworms for more than 125 years, marks the 60th anniversary of its Victoria Street building.

“This milestone matters because it celebrates not only the endurance of a building, but the continuity of a library service, one that began in 1897,” says Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health. “Today, Somerset West Library is recognised as one of the top three performing libraries in the City of Cape Town. It adds more than 100 new members every month and records some of the highest usage of digital services such as PressReader and Libby in the Western Cape.”

Seven-year-old Nicola Williams from Garden Village was captured in her element. She was seated outside the library, completely absorbed in her book as she carefully turned each page. The Grade 1 learner from Danie Ackermann Primary School is among many book-loving locals. They regularly visit this valuable learning resource to feed their passion for reading.

Photo: Jamey Gordon

Humble beginnings

She said the library stands as one of the basin’s oldest cultural institutions. Its roots stretch back to the year of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Almost an outcome of the occasion, in August that year assistant resident magistrate Mr Rainer chaired a pivotal community meeting. At this meeting, townsfolk proposed that a “Library and Reading Room be started in honour of the event”.

The founding committee – comprising GB Rainer, D Logie, George Tubb, OMB Roux and Rev WF Taylor – envisioned a cultural and educational hub for the growing Somerset West community. Their vision became reality on 22 September 1897, when the subscription library opened with a modest collection of 98 books. It expanded to 155 within its first year. Members paid £1 per annum for borrowing privileges of two books and two periodicals. The loan periods were 14 days for books and three days for periodicals.

Like many growing institutions, the library faced challenges, including limited space, inadequate funding and multiple relocations. The library began in a private Victoria Street residence. Then it moved to the town hall in 1934, where it served the community for more than three decades.

During apartheid, separate library amenities were established in 1959 – for non-whites initially in town before relocating to Helderzicht in 1970. This parallel service continued until the historic merger in 1984, marking the end of separate amenities. The Helderzicht branch eventually closed in 2009.

In 1982 major extensions were added to the Victoria Street building, including a children’s library, an Africana room and a group activity hall. The 1990s saw further expansion and modernisation.

By 1987 circulation had grown to 309 039 items, with English fiction making up 45% of loans. More than 13 000 magazines were borrowed.

The Friends of Somerset West Library was founded in 1988 and continues to play a vital role in fundraising and supporting programmes.

The most significant transformation came in 1958, when the library joined the Provincial Library Service. This transition was from its subscription-based model to a free public service. This development set the stage for the current purpose-built facility. It was constructed in the 1960s with R70 000 Provincial Library Service funding. It officially opened on 29 November 1965.

Asked whether there was any historical material on the library and its significance for the town, particularly cultural, Higham said the facility still had its original minute books and balance sheets. It also includes historic reference works such as the Chambers Encyclopaedia and Times Atlas.

Community cornerstone

“Somerset West Library combines deep heritage with present-day excellence,” Higham pointed out. “It is one of the City’s oldest services and, at the same time, one of its top three performers. This is a balance few libraries achieve.

“Its longevity, 128 years of continuous service, its iconic 1965 building and its role as a consistently top-performing library make Somerset West one of the City’s cultural ‘grand dames’.”

Higham noted how the institution had evolved in significance and quality of service over the years. “Chief librarian Anne Marie Cloete described it in the 1980s as ‘literally and figuratively the centre of the community’s activities’, a sentiment that still holds true today.”

Beyond serving as a beloved institution where many families maintain memberships across generations, Somerset West Library has pioneered numerous innovative community programmes.

These include the Teen Book Club, which engages youth from a local family shelter, and the popular PramJam programme. It has fostered a love of reading among younger readers for the past three years.

Seasonal offerings such as winter-holiday craft sessions and puppet shows provide regular entertainment and learning opportunities.

Most recently, Somerset West Library launched the Lego Brick Club in partnership with Brick Club South Africa. The club meets on Saturdays every four weeks. It includes additional bi-weekly sessions for home-school groups, combining creative play with structured learning.

The library supports literacy development through school visits, reader advisory services and author talks. In recent years it has hosted renowned authors including Eben Venter, Chris Voster, Irna van Zyl, Erla Diedericks, Elsa Winckler, Madelyn Rust, Bettina Wyngaard, and Daniël Lötter.

It also hosted the Indie Authors Rise Up: Fringe Fireside Chats during a local book festival.

“The library serves more than 14 000 members, with a collection of more than 40 000 items. It consistently gains new members monthly. People come for access to books, study facilities, digital resources, author events, and children’s programmes,” Higham noted.

“It has remained a reliable source of information, safe study spaces, and cultural programming. It provides connection and stability that’s especially important during social and economic challenges.”

Living legacy

Higham outlined an ambitious vision for continued growth of the Somerset West Library,. This is to ensure it remains a beacon of knowledge and inclusion. It aims to preserve its rich history while embracing innovation for future generations.

Plans include sustaining membership expansion, broadening digital access, strengthening literacy programmes and deepening engagement with schools and youth. Future enhancements under consideration include upgraded digital resources, refreshed heritage displays and expanded community programmes. These efforts will build on the library’s proud legacy while meeting evolving community needs.

“Libraries are far more than places for books; they are centres of community, inclusion, education and opportunity. Somerset West Library is both a heritage landmark and a modern hub. Its 128-year journey and 60-year building anniversary show the enduring importance of libraries as spaces of learning, culture and community.”

Higham said special events are planned to mark the 60-year milestone. asIt is “a legacy of continuity, civic pride, inclusion and adaptability, the story of a library that has grown with Somerset West for 128 years.” These include heritage storytelling, exhibitions of photographs and documents, and author-related events.

“The library belongs to everyone,” Higham declared. “For 128 years it has grown with Somerset West, and it will thrive as long as the community continues to support, use and celebrate it.”