Randburg Library

Randburg Library
Location	Corner Bram Fischer Dr. & Selkirk Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194
Other information
Website	https://www.cojelearning.org.za/librarie/randburg-library/

The Randburg Library is a regional library in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. ^{[1] [2]} The Library serves the township of Cosmo City and the surrounding suburbs; ^[3] it is situated within the Randburg Civic Centre. ^[4] It falls under the City of Johannesburg's Region B libraries. Randburg Library is leading the cities efforts to digitally transform libraries ^[5] with initiatives such as mLiteracy. ^[6] In August 2023, the library was gifted with an inverter to enable patrons to use the library during load shedding. ^[7] Randburg library is one of 89 libraries in the City of Johannesburg. Libraries are key community centers for learning and knowledge sharing, and educational programs can make a big impact. COJ librarians promote the use of apps such as Overdrive Libby, and African Story Book (ASb reader) to create a culture of reading. The library had a digital literacy class for homeless people called "Project: Master Class" which taught digital skills and online courses to homeless people. ^[8]

History

The library was opened in 1962, during a time of rapid growth and development in Randburg. In response to the community's increasing demand for access to information and resources, a small lending library was established in 1957 within the existing municipal buildings. This modest space, staffed by volunteer librarians, was eventually expanded to a larger and more equipped library in 1971. ^[9]

Staff capacity

• Senior librarian: x1
• Librarian: x1
• Library assistants: x2
• General worker: x1

Sections in the library

Adult Section

Randburg Library in 1962

Houses fiction and non-fiction books.

Children Section

In the children's section of Randburg library, you'll typically find a wide variety of materials tailored to different age groups and reading levels, including:

• Picture Books – For young children, often illustrated with simple stories or themes to introduce reading and storytelling.
• Early Readers – Books with simple vocabulary and sentence structures, designed for children beginning to read independently.
• Chapter Books – Short, illustrated books with more complex stories, aimed at early elementary school readers.

Reference Section

Houses reference material:

• Dictionaries – Provide word definitions, usage, pronunciation, and etymology.
• Encyclopedias – Contain comprehensive summaries of information on a wide range of topics.
• Atlases – Collections of maps that offer geographical and geopolitical information.
• Directories – Lists of people, organizations, or businesses, often with contact details.
• Almanacs – Annual publications that include statistics, historical records, and general information.
• Yearbooks – Provide updated annual data and developments in various fields, such as politics, sports, and economics.
• Bibliographies – Lists of books, articles, or other resources on specific subjects.
• Indexes and Abstracts – Tools to locate articles, books, or other materials, with abstracts providing brief summaries.
• Statistical Compendiums – Sources like census reports and demographic studies that offer data-driven insights.
• Manuals and Handbooks – Offer practical information or guidelines on specific subjects, often for technical or professional purposes.

A study area with tables, chairs and charging ports for laptop users.

References

1. Khuboni, Mthulisi. L. (2023) Randburg Library will operate during load-shedding https://www.citizen.co.za/randburg-sun/news-headlines/2023/08/13/power-battles-are-a-thing-of-the-past/, Randburg Sun
2. "City of Johannesburg libraries, embrace digital platforms". cojelearning.org. 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
3. Mokoena, Walter. "Randburg Library says goodbye to loadshedding | Joburg Post". www.joburgpost.com. Retrieved 2023-12-11.
4. Import, Pongrass (2020-04-05). "A focus on the Randburg Civic Centre is needed". Randburg Sun. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
5. Swartbooi, Brümilda. "Randburg library is trailblazing digital transformation". joburg.org.za. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
6. https://mliteracy.mobi/
7. "Uninterrupted Reading: Randburg Library Fights Off Load Shedding - Loadshedding.com". 2023-08-03. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
8. Nyoka, Jeff (2021-09-13). "Johannesburg Libraries as Change Agents for the Homeless: Digital Literacy Programs for Marginalized Communities". Journal of Library Outreach and Engagement. 1 (2): 110–111. doi:10.21900/j.jloe.v1i2.885. hdl: 2142/113417 . ISSN   2690-2672.
9. Maylam, Paul (2017). Rhodes University, 1904 - 2016: An intellectual, Political and Cultural history (1st ed.). Grahamstown: Institute of Social and Economic Research. pp. 174–176. ISBN   978-0-86810-612-0.