Petunia Primary is located in Scottsville, a suburb of Kraaifontein outside Cape Town. In this community, children experience the effects of poverty: drug abuse, gang violence and a lack of educational opportunities. For most children, the nearest public library is not within safe walking distance.

In February 2011, we opened the doors to the library at Petunia Primary. Friends and acquaintances donated time and energy to the project. With book donations from Biblionef, Vriende van Afrikaans, Cecile Cilliers, Mary-Anne Hoogenhout and Louise Viljoen, the library was soon turned into a vibrant book haven.  Warmhearted local resident, Karin Hendricks, was appointed as our librarian. 

Upon entering the library one experiences a welcoming spirit. This is due in no small part to the role of the young volunteers from the school. Year after year these twelve and thirteen year-olds help Karin with anything from cleaning and administrative tasks, to assisting younger children to choose age appropriate books to read.  In this way the young people are becoming agents of literacy development in the community.

Today, two thirds of the school’s more than 800 learners are active members of the library.  According to the staff at the school, literacy levels have improved dramatically.  

The library depends for its existence on the the support of the Friends of Petunia’s Library. All funding and donations received go directly into either Karin’s small salary, books or projects to benefit children.