The only Jewish library on the African continent, the Jacob Gitlin Library, has grown enormously since it opened 65 years ago. Dedicated to the memory of a leading early 20th century Zionist in Cape Town, Jacob Gitlin, it continues to provide a much-needed service to Cape Town’s Jewish community. “We have an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction and reference books,” says Library Director Jacqui Rodgers.
Although our local community has experienced dwindling numbers with immigration and an ageing demographic, use of the Library has grown considerably. In fact, a pamphlet from 20 years ago records that the number of people using the facility was approximately 2 000; today, there are 3 950 members, and the Library has seen an increase in the number of non-Jewish users and younger borrowers.
The first Jewish library in Cape Town opened in 1899, and it soon became popular among the newly arrived immigrants from Lithuania. Over the subsequent years, it became clear that a library with a focus on Jewish-themed books and with a strongly Zionist focus was a necessity. In 1959 the Western Province Zionist Council decided to establish a library to serve the community in the region.
There was a great deal of support for the idea of naming the library in honour of Jacob Gitlin (1881-1953). The Library has moved from Zeeland House on the Foreshore to Leeuwen Street in downtown Cape Town and then to its present location in the Gardens Community Centre.
Numerous professional librarians have led the library over its 65 years: Yvonne Verblun: 1972-1999; Dr Ute Ben Yosef: 2000-2010; Devis Iosifzon: 2010-2013; and Jacqueline (Jacqui) Rodgers: 2014-present. It is also staffed by other dedicated professionals and volunteers.
This amazing resource has a great deal to offer a varied audience. “The Jacob Gitlin Library is an amazing, vibrant space which offers endless opportunities. It connects the community to information, connects people to literature and people to people.
It is a unique lending library open to all. We in Cape Town are privileged to have this cultural resource and I am privileged to be the Director,” Jacqui concludes.
• Read the August 2024 issue in magazine format here.
• To advertise in the Cape Jewish Chronicle and on this website – kindly contact Lynette Roodt on 021 464 6736 or email advertising@ctjc.co.za. For more information and advertising rate card click here.
• Sign up for our newsletter and never miss another issue.
• Please support the Cape Jewish Chronicle with a voluntary Subscription for 2024. For payment info click here.
• Visit our Portal to the Jewish Community to see a list of all the Jewish organisations in Cape Town with links to their websites.
Follow the Cape Jewish Chronicle: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
