100th Library Launch

What began as a single library 15 years ago has grown into 100, but for The Bookery, this milestone is measured not by numbers alone, but by the countless minds opened, imaginations sparked, and futures shaped through access to books. On 04 September, Montana Primary School proudly became home to The Bookery’s 100th school library - a calm, welcoming space filled with more than 3 000 carefully curated books, ready to ignite a love of reading for every learner who enters. This milestone represents a significant step forward in The Bookery’s mission to ensure that every child in South Africa has access to a well-resourced school library and the life-changing opportunities that reading brings. The launch was attended by David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education, who emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing literacy challenges, stating: “The scale of the early grade literacy problem requires a massive and coordinated effort from all stakeholders. This is why partnerships with organisations like The Bookery are so valuable to us: we are all pulling in the same direction, and together we can improve learning outcomes for every learner, in every classroom, in every school in the Western Cape.” Montana Primary’s Acting Principal, Mary Baartman, shared the school’s excitement for this new chapter, explaining that Monty’s Book Bungalow will give learners access to books that not only inform, but inspire, support struggling readers, and build understanding and confidence through a growing love of reading. This milestone library was made possible through the generosity of dedicated partners. The MacFarlane Family Foundation provided anchor funding, SALI Trust sponsored books gifted to learners at the launch, and The Silent Book Club Cape Town raised R100 000, prompting Sygnia Asset Management’s book club to contribute the final amount. Together, these partnerships brought the vision of The Bookery’s 100th library to life.