The Overstrand is officially home to the province’s best libraries as Hermanus and Hawston public libraries win big at the 2026 Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards.

Hermanus Library took home two of the top honours at the award ceremony held last night in Cape Town. Hermanus library was named Public Library of the Year and also received the Best Friends of the Public Library award.

The local library was nominated alongside Overstrand’s own Greyton Public Library as well as Kuyasa Public Library and Vermaaklikheid Public Library.

Hawston Library was recognised for its service, taking home the award for Community Impact through Outreach. The award further highlights the library’s work to extend its services and programmes into the community. Also nominated in the category were Lindela Mjenxane and the Whitaker Peace Development Initiative.

Overstrand Executive Mayor and avid reader Archie Klaas said that the awards reflect the work being done across the Overstrand’s library network.

“While we are celebrating a double win for Hermanus and Hawston tonight, this is a proud moment for all our libraries and staff,” he said of the 23rd edition of the provincial Cultural Affairs Awards. “Our teams work closely together, sharing ideas and running joint programmes that benefit communities across Overstrand.”

Klaas was joined by Lizé Richter of Hermanus Library and Belinda May from Hawston Public Library who accepted the awards and received the certificates, respectively. They were also joined by Aron Gcotyelwa from the Community Services Directorate and Councillor Ronald Nutt who is the MMC for Community Services.

Celebrating cultural affairs

The awards were held at the acclaimed Artscape Theatre and hosted by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS). The event celebrated and recognised contributions made in the fields of arts, culture, language, heritage, libraries, museums and archives in the province.

“Our arts, culture and heritage tell the story of who we are as a province,” said Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie. “The Cultural Awards give us an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who have dedicated their lives to enriching the Western Cape. And [those] who have played an important role in shaping the story and history of our province.”

He added that “those whose decades of work have left an enduring legacy” represent the richness and diversity of our cultural and creative sector.

“We are proud to honour you and, importantly, to ensure that your contributions are seen, celebrated and remembered,” he said.