The Bookery opens its 91st library at Arcadia Primary School
29 September 2022
Learners at Arcadia Primary School in Bonteheuwel now have access to a well-stocked library after the facility was officially opened on Friday 9 September 2022.
Arcadia Primary School Principal, Suleiman Stanley, said the process to secure a fully operating library at the school started in 2017. “A teacher, Natalie Turner, approached The Bookery and while there was a period of inactivity, The Bookery never forgot about us.”
Meanwhile, the school received sponsorship from One&Only Cape Town, who supplied shelving, rugs, curtains, a screen and a data projector while they were pursuing alternative means of establishing a library.
Stanley said they were overjoyed earlier this year when The Bookery informed the school that the investment company Ninety One had been identified as a donor and the plans for the library gained momentum. “The Bookery supplied us with 4 000 brand new books. All the books are covered and has a barcode with the school’s name in it. We also received a scanner, laptop, posters, murals, tables and chairs. Ninety One will pay a huge portion of the librarian’s salary.”
The school has already drawn up a library timetable for all classes from Grade 1 to Grade 7.
“The governing body, staff and parent community are extremely grateful to all role players who had a part in establishing a functional library at Arcadia Primary School. The learners are all very excited about this new venture at our school,” Stanley added.
Commenting on the partnership, Narassa Govender, CSI Director at Ninety One, said: “How serendipitous that the 91st library created by the Bookery happens to be the first supported by Ninety One. We seek to make a positive impact on the communities in the place we call home, so it is truly a privilege to partner with The Bookery here at Arcadia Primary School. Foundation Phase literacy is critical to developing fully as individuals. We hope that the learners from Arcadia Primary will not only discover the magic of books in this library but that this also inspires a continuous thirst for knowledge, putting them on the path to future success.”
