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Noordgesig Library

Noordgesig Library is a public library in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa, located in the Noordgesig neighbourhood of Soweto (Region D). It is part of the City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services.

History

Noordgesig Library was redeveloped as part of a broader social-cluster precinct project in Noordgesig that includes a park, community hall, swimming pool, and public plaza. The redevelopment was commissioned by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and the City of Johannesburg, under its “Corridors of Freedom” spatial development programme. Designed by the architectural firm IYER, with landscape architecture by Newtown Landscape Architects, the new two-storey library building spans approximately 2,000 m<sup>2</sup>. Construction was completed around 2020, with a cost of roughly R 25 million.

According to Akweni Group, the project-management firm, the redevelopment was carried out in phases: Phase 1A involved demolition and construction of the new library; Phase 1B covered the plaza and road intersection upgrades. The new facility was officially launched on 8 September 2021, coinciding with International Literacy Day.

In 2025, a history-room was added to the library, transforming part of the building into what is effectively a local-history museum. The museum aims to document and preserve the social, cultural, and political history of Noordgesig, including its origins, community struggles, and achievements. It is a space for residents and visitors to remember, learn and reflect on heritage.

Location and administration

  • Location: 10 North St & Central Road, Noordgesig, Soweto, 1804.
  • Region: Region D of the City of Johannesburg's library system.
  • Managed by the City of Johannesburg Library and Information Services.

Facilities and services

Noordgesig Library offers a variety of resources and community services:

  • The collection is organised into sections: Children, Junior (young adult), Adult, and Reference.
  • The children's section contains picture books, beginner readers, early readers, and more.
  • The adult and junior sections include fiction, non-fiction, reference materials, and works by African writers.
  • The reference section, located on the first floor, includes yearbooks, encyclopedias, and dictionaries, intended for in-house use.
  • Digital and technology services:
  1. 12 public-access "e-World" computers.
  2. Free public Wi-Fi for visitors.
  3. An eClassroom for online learning, digital skills training, and basic computer use (job applications, coursework, etc.).
  • Activity room: Can be booked by community members for workshops, meetings, or training.
  • Accessibility: The branch provides tape machines and audio books (books on tape) for visually impaired users.
  • For members who cannot travel to the branch, librarians can arrange delivery of materials.

Architecture and design

The architectural design emphasises integration with the public realm. The library building has two wings that frame both the plaza and a landscaped reading courtyard.

Sustainable materials were chosen. For example:

  • Rheinzink was used for the cladding on parts of the building. It is 100% recyclable and has a relatively low environmental footprint.
  • Marmoran, a self-cleaning wall-coating material, was selected for its low maintenance and durability.

Community engagement and activities

Noordgesig Library is positioned not just as an information hub, but also as a community centre. The precinct around the library (plaza and park) is used for public engagement: community design workshops and open days were part of the planning before construction. The library has hosted community events such as a treasure hunt to encourage local residents (especially children) to explore the library. According to Mail & Guardian, the library has become a bright, modern, and accessible space that encourages reading, study, and digital skills.

See also

References