For many students at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the library is more than just a place to study—it is a lifeline. It is the quiet refuge where late-night essays are completed, first-generation university students navigate the world of academia, and knowledge becomes a tool for empowerment. In a country where access to educational resources remains deeply unequal, UWC’s library stands as a beacon of opportunity.

As South Africa commemorates Library Week under the theme “Libraries for Sustainable Communities,” UWC reaffirms its commitment to creating spaces where learning thrives. UWC’s Library Services have continually evolved to meet the needs of its diverse student body. The 24/7 Learning Centre is a state-of-the-art, 50-seater facility and is designed to provide students with a conducive and inspiring self-study environment. Situated on the west side of the main campus, this facility represents UWC’s dedication to ensuring that every student has the tools they need to excel.

When UWC’s library was built in the late 1980’s then Vice-Rector Professor Jaap (Johannes Jacobus) Durand quietly convinced the architect to build a glass brick into the atrium on the ground floor.Years later he explained that he wanted the light from the library’s glass ceiling to shine into the auditorium in the basement and for it to be symbolic of UWC’s students' fight against apartheid.

At the opening of Library Week, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Balfour said: “When a beam of sunlight hits this brick, let it also remind us…that knowledge which is light passes through the barrier and illuminates the whole area of darkness beyond it. And it should be a light that inspires us kindly to go forward, even in uncertain times. It should inspire you and inspire me to keep learning, to keep breaking the barriers down, and to keep shaping the future in which we all believe.”

The demand for library services at UWC underscores just how vital these spaces are. During a typical academic term, the 24/7 Learning Centre records approximately 10,500 monthly entries, translating to a daily average of 338 users. This number surges to 14,000 monthly entries during exam periods, with a daily average of 451 users—a testament to the necessity of extended study spaces. Similarly, the Main Library, which operates six days a week, experiences a significant increase in usage during exams. On average, the library sees 20,370 monthly entries during a normal term, with around 784 daily users. However, this rises dramatically to 41,650 monthly entries in the exam period, equating to an average of 1,602 users per day. 

These statistics are a clear indicator that libraries are not just buildings filled with books; they are engines of social mobility. In South Africa, where many students do not have access to study spaces, computers, or even reliable internet at home, libraries serve as critical equalisers. They provide the resources, technology, and academic support that many students would otherwise go without.

Beyond their academic function, libraries contribute to sustainable communities by promoting literacy, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning. They are spaces where people gather to share knowledge, where ideas are exchanged, and where innovation is fostered. They provide students with access to research materials, workshops, and study support, ensuring that higher education is not just a privilege for the few but an opportunity for all.

UWC’s Library Services, Dr Shirlene Neerputh said: “Our library is deeply aligned with the principles of sustainable education and community engagement. By providing resources that cater to students’ evolving needs, UWC ensures that learning is accessible, inclusive, and adaptable to modern challenges. Moreover, we continue to enhance services by integrating digital resources, research support, and academic workshops to equip students with essential skills for success.”

Libraries are not just about books—they are about people, ideas, and progress. They are essential for sustainable communities, bridging educational divides and fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing. UWC invites students, faculty, and stakeholders to continue engaging with and supporting its library services, ensuring that these vital resources remain accessible for generations to come.

For more information visit lib.uwc.ac.za.