The official opening of the new Rosevalley Public Library took place on the 26 July 2022. The ribbon was cut and the plague unveiled by the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ms Anroux Marais, the executive mayor, Christiaan Macpherson, and Pierre Blaauw from the ASLA Foundation.
ASLA Construction has been active in the Oudtshoorn area for many years, with one of its developments in the area even being nicknamed ASLA Park. “ASLA is well known here in the area,” says library manager Deidre Carelse. “I knew about the construction company, from advertisements and people talking, but I didn’t know about the Foundation and that they contribute to these kind of projects.”
The ASLA Foundation contributed just over R500 000 towards the R8,5-million project that was mainly funded by Western Cape’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Sport. The Foundation’s contribution was used for the library hall including a small kitchen and a secure storeroom. “The hall has a capacity for sixty people (in seated formation), and will also be used for library activities, as well as for training, fundraisers and some social events,” says Carelse. “Although our circulation did take a knock during COVID, people are still using libraries.”
Design elements in the library’s structure beautifully echo the theme of ostriches, something the town is well known for. Its roof is curved like an ostrich egg, and the burglar bars and safety guards on the windows are shaped like ostrich feathers
“The Library and Information Centre will play a pivotal role in the enhancement of the community’s literacy, skill, and knowledge,” says Mervin Green on behalf of the ASLA Foundation. “We are indeed proud and honoured to be partnering with the Ministry to complete this crucial social infrastructure project.”
