- On 17 October, the Woodstock Library held an event featuring a job seekers drive, wellness services from City of Cape Town’s Matrix clinics, and a library membership initiative.
- The event aimed to create awareness and provide opportunities for residents.
- The library hosts a seniors’ club every Thursday, and offers other activities like a chess club for children.
The Woodstock Library held an integrated library programme on Thursday 17 October.
The programme included job seekers drive, a library membership initiative and offered wellness services through the City of Cape Town’s Matrix-certified clinics and senior’s club registration.
Wilmaree May, a librarian, said the aim of the campaign is to create awareness and opportunities for residents.
“We want to bring the community together and tell them about services accessible to them.
According to May, they cater to seniors and children throughout the year with the senior club happening every Thursday at 10:00 and 15:30. They also run the chess club for children.
Sabrina Maharaj, a therapist at the Matrix clinic in Albow Gardens, explained that there are eight Matrix sites in the Western Cape offering a free 16-week rehabilitation programme for people aged 18 and older struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
“We shared our programme and to let the community know that help is out there for anyone that is using drugs or alcohol. We will be able to assist them in terms of identifying those triggers and identifying craving cycles so that we can provide them with some tools to live a clean and sober life.”
Teresa Mathungana (66) travelled from Langa and said she enjoyed the session.
Marina Harris (74) said: “We come to the library to collect books every week. This was a lovely session. We played games and met a few other people, which is good.”
Harris said there is a need for more programmes for seniors.
“Many of us just sit at home. They should have programmes like dancing and exercising. We would love that; it will give us something to do.”
Zelda Johnson found the programme informative and added that she gained insights about programmes and services that are available to residents.
