Durbanville Library Celebrates its 50th Building Anniversary

In August 2023, the Durbanville Library in Cape Town will commemorate its 50th building anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, an open window event named ‘Beyond the Pages: Unveiling the Tapestry of Knowledge’ has been organized. The event invites the community to participate in the festivities and explore the library’s influence on the town’s artistic landscape.

A Vibrant History of Artistic and Innovative Residents

Durbanville has a rich history of artistic and innovative residents. The open window event provides an opportunity for creatives to showcase their talents through poetry, music, and visual art. The celebration offers a platform for the community to delve into the Durbanville Library’s impact and contribution to shaping the town’s artistic identity.

Creatives Invited to Delve into the Tapestry of Knowledge

Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, encourages creatives to embrace the transformative power of libraries. The event will kick off on Thursday, 31 August, featuring poetry readings, art displays, and musical performances. The artwork will be exhibited for a week.

An Event Catering To Different Age Groups and Interests

The open window event caters to different age groups and interests. The children’s section will display nursery school art, while the foyer will host a music recital. Poetry readings will take place inside the library, and an art exhibition will be held in the hall. Participants are also invited to experiment with black-out poetry, sketching, and other art forms at designated work stations throughout the week.

Celebrating Libraries’ Impact on the Arts

The event seeks to celebrate the boundless magic of libraries through various art forms. Poets can pen verses that encapsulate libraries as gateways to imagination, inspiration, and learning. Artists are encouraged to create visual representations of libraries, focusing on the physical space, the community it nurtures, or its evolution in the digital age. Musicians can compose melodies and lyrics that mirror the emotions and experiences found within library walls.

A Free Event Open to Everyone

The event is open to everyone, including past and non-residents of Durbanville. It aims to highlight libraries’ influence in promoting creativity, intellectual growth, and a sense of belonging. Entry to the event is free, but those interested in participating should submit their contributions by 17 August 2023. For more information, contact Principal Librarian René Schoombee at Rene.Schoombee@capetown.gov.za or call 021 444 7069.

The Durbanville Library’s 50th building anniversary celebration promises to be an unforgettable tapestry of knowledge, art, and creativity, showcasing the critical role libraries play in fostering artistic expression and community engagement.