By Ndumiso Tshuma
Luveve Public Library has received a generous donation of 1 503 children’s books from Anglo-American in partnership with Book Aid International.
The consignment included £13,000 worth of children’s books from the UK and USD3,000 worth of locally purchased books.
This donation was inspired by former Anglo-American employee Christine Nyoni, who used the Luveve library as a child. Her positive experience influenced her employer to fund this project.
“We used to have club reading meetings every Wednesday where people from the public would come and read stories to us in this library,” Nyoni said.
“This is what inspired me to read more. Most of my education came from reading in this library, and I encourage all students to acquire knowledge through reading. Reading strictly benefits you more in education and in the long run.”
Assistant Director of Housing and Community Services Linda Sibindi said the library is one of nine BMLS branch libraries designated as Inspiring Readers Hubs. These hubs created mini-libraries in 55 surrounding primary schools.
“It became apparent that there was a need to increase the reading materials available to everyone,” Sibindi said. “Thanks to Anglo American’s presence here today, they stepped in to purchase reading materials to increase the collection with attractive books that would boost the morale of young readers.”
Senior Staff Member of Luveve Public Library Antoinette Madziba said some of the schools that benefited from the project include Luveve Primary School, Mafakela Primary School, and Mtshingwe Primary School, among others.
“Being a hub means mini libraries have been established at these schools,” Madziba explained. “These libraries essentially belong to the schools and are stocked with at least 1,000 books, just like this library. Luveve Public Library is trying to avoid a situation where students have to travel long distances for information and simply copy notes from books in the library because they can’t afford their own. By providing books directly to their schools, it makes reading more accessible for them.”
