In the heart of Fisantekraal, there is a hidden gem: the Fisantekraal Public Library.

The unassuming building on the corner of Peter Mokaba and Dullah Omar Street belies what can be discovered inside. Step through the doors and you’ll find a warm, welcoming and incredibly well-kept space -- an oasis of books, resources and opportunity. More than just a library, it is a safe haven for the community; a place where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is shared, and the possibility of a brighter future feels a little more tangible.

As the library so aptly puts it on its Facebook page:

“The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history.”
- Carl T. Rowan

A library for the whole community

The Fisantekraal Public Library was established through a partnership between the City of Cape Town and the Mark Shuttleworth Foundation, which contributed millions towards the construction of the building. Officially opened by then Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille, it replaced a smaller library service that had previously been run by a local church.

Since then, the library has grown into an important community hub, offering far more than shelves of books.

As part of the City of Cape Town's library network, members have access not only to books, CDs and DVDs, but also to eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines and a wide range of community programmes. There are computers with internet access, providing a gateway to the City Libraries' extensive online resources.

And then there are all the things that happen around the books, fuelled by the passion, knowledge and sheer grit of the dedicated team.

During school holidays, children can take part in educational games, arts and crafts, movies and popcorn -- and even enjoy a warm bowl of soup and bread. Computer literacy programmes are offered for both children and adults, while volunteers take the joy of stories beyond the library walls, reading to children at kindergartens in the area.

The Teen Book Club encourages young people to read aloud together and share their love of books, while the library's spacious, comfortable environment provides students with something that can be especially valuable: a quiet, safe place to do homework and study.

It is easy to see why this building has become such an important part of the Fisantekraal community.

A little something from us

It was therefore a great pleasure for us to contribute a few goodies to a place that already gives so much to the community.

We dropped off colouring pages, pencils, and some colourful SA Animal Alphabet posters (donated by The Happy Struggling Artist) and a selection of educational games and puzzles - hopefully adding a little extra fun, creativity and inspiration to the library's already wonderful collection of resources!

It may not seem like much, but that is something we love about The One Percent Movement: small contributions can become part of something much bigger when they support people and organisations that are already making a difference every day.

Want to help?

If you'd like to support the Fisantekraal Public Library, there are some very simple ways to make a meaningful contribution.

Their biggest needs at the moment are:

• Your time and talent: Volunteers that are willing and able to impart skills and knowledge
• Educational games for children
• Colouring books and art supplies
• Picture books

Sometimes, making a difference doesn't require a grand gesture. A box of crayons, a puzzle, or a much-loved children's book can become a doorway to learning, imagination and possibility.

And in a place like the Fisantekraal Public Library, there are plenty of eager minds waiting to walk through that door...