There was the smell of new books at Modderdam High on Saturday as the Bonteheuwel school launched its new library.
The Bookery, a non-profit organisation that claims to have set up more than 90 school libraries in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng, provided training for the school’s librarian.
Rotshidzwa Morale, from the Bookery, told pupils at the launch that the library could take them to places they had never been.
“I implore the learners to use the library to the best of your ability. You have everything you need to go forward. I implore the community to support the school,” she said.
Principal Rayray Wanza said it was a proud moment for the school.
“We’ve always strived to be innovative, and today is what we mean by being innovative and creative despite our circumstances. Many have asked why we used the funds for a library because no one reads books anymore, but we know that reading is the vehicle that awakens our imagination and gives us hope for the future. Spaces like these create the essential habit of inspiring a positive attitude towards learning. It encourages pupils to take ownership of their learning and express themselves.”
Grade 10 pupil Azra Pekeur, who chairs the school’s library committee, said she hoped all the pupils at the school would support the library.
“We invite all pupils, poets, journalists, and writers, influencers and leaders of all sectors to our library, to motivate us and inspire us, and share their experiences with us.”
