At the heart of the Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre‘s growing fundraising bookshop is a remarkable woman whose passion for books has transformed small beginnings into a thriving community project.
Ilze Swart, a retired librarian and her dedicated team of volunteers have placed the simple book project at the quadriplegic centre on the map.
“With her wealth of experience and deep love for books, she has brought structure, vision and energy to what has become one of our most successful fundraising initiatives,” says Rosabelle Riese, a resident involved in the book project.
“In a four-year journey of growth, structure and community support, the book project evolved from packed crates and boxes to a permanent bookshop,” she says.
Selecting books and packing crates
“Ilze has been instrumental in giving our books a forever home. In the early days, she assisted with the demanding task of selecting and packing crates of books for various markets, from Rust-en-Vrede to the Presbyterian Church and beyond.
It was a labour-intensive process that required drivers and residents to assist with sales and the setting up of tables, gazebos and displays.
“Drawing on her background in librarianship and her involvement in fundraising initiatives for other organisations, Ilze gradually introduced a sense of order and purpose.
“What started as a challenging and time-consuming operation has evolved into a well-organised and sustainable fundraising initiative,” Riese says.
Turning point
A significant turning point came in June 2022 with the arrival of the first container donated by Breadline Africa — complete with built-in shelving and a wheelchair-accessible ramp built by the QuadPara Association Western Cape.
An additional container arrived two years later — a donation by Vicky Oosthuizen.
Renovations were carried out by Vicky and Nick Price of GAP Aluminium, with a generous donation of shelving by Graham and Verna Moore, installed by Annamarie Mostert.
“These all created a functional and accessible bookshop space. With careful planning and coordination, Ilze oversaw the transition from packed boxes to fully shelved and categorised stock,” Riese continues.
Accessible space
Today, the container bookshop, together with the neatly arranged R5 section inside the house, offers an inviting and accessible space for visitors.
Launched in November 2022 with a vibrant R5 sale, the project has continued to grow from strength to strength.
Books are meticulously sorted, priced and shelved, with even the R5 section arranged alphabetically — “a small detail that speaks volumes about Ilze’s dedication and attention to detail”, Riese says.
Hidden gems
“Ilze coordinates every aspect of the donation process — from sorting and categorising to pricing and shelving. Nothing escapes her careful attention. She also has a remarkable ability to identify hidden gems and valuable collectibles.
One such treasure, Die Meelblom Toer, was discovered by her and later sold at the centre’s Golf Day auction for an impressive R3 000,” Riese says.
“On book market days, held every second Saturday of the month at Huis Andries Olivier, Ilze adds her personal touch through thoughtfully curated displays of unique and valuable finds.
“These selections attract keen interest both at the centre and through her connections with Friends of the Library organisations in Bellville and Durbanville.
“Through these networks, she continues to match books with the right buyers, further boosting funds for the centre. Having built lasting relationships over many years, Ilze draws on a wide network of book lovers and collectors. We benefit greatly from these connections, which have added both value and reach to the project.”
Dedicated team of volunteers
At the core of this success is a dedicated team of volunteers whose camaraderie and humour bring the project to life.
As Gillian Watson jokingly remarked, “I’m a retired chief executive officer and now I’m cleaning shelves and floors!”
Alongside Gillian and Willie Watson, Elize de Jager and Annamarie Mostert continue to play an invaluable role, supported by others who assist with lifting, sorting, transporting and maintaining the space.
Labour of love
“We are truly grateful for Ilze’s labour of love — her leadership, dedication and generous spirit.
“Her legacy lies not only in the thousands of books she has organised, but in the system she has built, the people she has inspired and the lasting difference she continues to make. ‘Kom kyk na ons winskopies,’ she often encourages, and thanks to her, there is always something special waiting to be discovered.
“Rain or shine, Ilze is there. Her commitment is unwavering, her approach consistent. When asked about her involvement, she simply says, ‘I enjoy what I’m doing. With a bit of order and a love for books, we can turn something simple into something meaningful for the centre.
“While her contribution is immeasurable, Ilze is also mindful of the future. She has begun sharing her knowledge and systems with De Jager and Mostert, ensuring continuity and sustainability for the project.
“It’s not just about books. It’s about people, relationships and creating something worthwhile together. The joy is in seeing it all come together for the benefit of the centre,” Swart explains her passion.
Strong foundation
“We also acknowledge the original book project committee, whose early efforts laid a strong foundation, as well as the many volunteers who have contributed along the way.
“Over the past four years, this initiative has grown through true community involvement. As the saying goes, ‘Rome was not built in a day’, but the collective effort of many has given this project and the centre an immense and lasting boost,” Riese concludes.
Donations
The centre welcomes donations of books. Book lovers are invited to visit on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 and 15:00, or to join the monthly book market held on the second Saturday of each month at Huis Andries Olivier, 18 Hafele Street, Durbanville, from 09:00 to 14:00.
- Contact Allen (WhatsApp 078 393 5924) or Terence (WhatsApp 082 224 5454) for more information.
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