Libraries open to Grade 12 pupils preparing for exams

Libraries in the Drakenstein Municipality are available as quiet, well-equipped spaces for Grade 12 pupils who started writing their National Senior Certificate examinations on Monday, October 21.

Riana Geldenhuys, spokesperson for the Drakenstein Municipality, says at the libraries Grade 12 pupils can access study guides as well as online past exam papers and answers, provided by the Western Cape Education Department.

Matric pupils can study without noise or distractions in the comfortable study-friendly areas that have been created in the libraries with posted notices to inform other library users that pupils are studying there and need silence.

“Some of the libraries facilitate peer support groups, where academically stronger students tutor peers who might be struggling with specific subjects. The libraries also offer wi-fi services, and matriculants interested in applying for tertiary education can access the internet,” she says.

Mayor Stephen Korabie wished the class of 2024 well. “We all know this is a stressful time, but I urge you to take a moment to recognise all you have accomplished so far. Your dedication, perseverance and commitment have brought you to this pivotal point in your life.

“Trust in your preparation, stay focused and believe in your potential. The entire community of Drakenstein is cheering you on, and we are optimistic that you will make yourselves, your teachers and your parents proud.”

Ruth Arnolds, councillor for Ward 7, including Van Wyksvlei and Weltevrede in Wellington, says making use The Wellington Readers Library, can be beneficial to Grade 12 pupils preparing for their exams, especially because this library is centrally located.

“For the matrics in the surrounding areas, looking for a quiet place to study, it will be easy to get to because in many instances you find a child who wants to study, to get out of their current circumstances and make a success of their lives, but don’t have a suitable place to do so.”

She says the library is well-equipped with quiet areas fitted with designated study tables and desks, making it an ideal set-up for Grade 12 pupils to focus and concentrate on their studies. “It really is a privilege for our children to have these places to study and I want them to make use of this opportunity.”

She encourages them to make use of the available wi-fi services to expand on research for their subjects to ensure they are fully prepared for the final examinations.

Grade 12 pupils opting to study at home and who want to review and work through past examination question papers, these can be accessed online at wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za

The Drakenstein libraries are located at:

• Paarl Library, corner of Market Street and Main Road, Paarl

• Drakenstein Library, Paulus Street, Paarl East

• Groenheuwel Library, corner of Bartholomew and Deborah Streets, Paarl East

• Mbekweni Library, corner of Mphakalasi and Matukata Streets, Mbekweni

• Wellington Library, Jan van Riebeeck Road, Wellington

• Wellington Readers’ Library, Coode Street, Van Wyksvlei, Wellington

• Gouda Library, Malva Street, Gouda

• Saron Library, Claremont Street, Saron

• Bergrivier Library, Haaskraalpad, Wellington

• Groenberg Library, corner of Hawequa Gevangenis Road and Groenberg Primary School

• Hermon Library, Daisy Street, Hermon

• Klein Drakenstein Library, Keerweerder Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl East

• Nieuwedrift Library, corner of Nieuwedrift Primary School, Northern Paarl

• Ronwe Library, corner of Ronwe Primary School, Lustigan Road, Paarl

• Simondium Library, Watergat Road, Simondium

• Windmeul Library, corner of Windmeul Primary School, Windmeul

• Chicago Mini Library at the Paarl East Thusong Centre, Van Der Stel Street, Paarl East

The libraries are open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am to 6pm; on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 5pm; on Fridays from 10am to 3.30pm and from 9am to noon on Saturdays.

Rural libraries are open during school times, closing at 4pm from Mondays to Thursdays and at 3.30pm on Fridays. They are closed on Saturdays.