Residents rally to save Camps Bay Library at community fun run

More than 200 Camps Bay residents participated in a community fun run and walk hosted by Friends of Camps Bay Library, opposing the City of Cape Town’s proposed sale of the Camps Bay Library and the adjacent parking area.

Friends of Camps Bay Library, a dedicated group of local volunteers who fundraise and advocate for the library, gathered at The Drive in Camps Bay on Saturday, September 20, with the community to sign petitions and raise support for their cause.

Chris Loker, chairman of the group, said that the City’s plans threaten not only a building but also a vital part of Camps Bay’s identity and heritage.

The library has been there since 1971. 

"Serving as both a hub of knowledge and a cornerstone of our community life. We hope the City of Cape Town will reconsider their plans to sell off our invaluable public spaces that represent the very fabric of our community. The library is a historical landmark and should stay in its current location," he said.

Mr Loker said that they had not seen the City's plans as to how the sale of the land would affect their Camps Bay village.

"What is going to happen to the parking? What is the plan for traffic management? Where will a new library be located?

"We hope the City will engage with its voters on these issues and many more," said Mr Loker.

Saturday's purpose was to bring the community together on a scenic 3km route through the lush greenbelt areas of Camps Bay.

Mr Loker said that throughout the morning, participants signed objection forms to register their opposition to the proposed sale and the potential densification of their suburb.

The morning concluded with a lively lucky draw, generously supported by local businesses.

"Your support demonstrates how deeply valued our library is - not just by residents, but by the wider Camps Bay community and its businesses," he said.

"The fun run or walk highlighted more than just a fight to save a library; it was a celebration of community pride, public ownership, and the collective responsibility to preserve Camps Bay’s unique character for generations to come," said Mr Loker.

According to the City's Economic Growth Directorate, the proposed disposal is strategically motivated to unlock private sector-led development opportunities, which align with the City’s broader agenda for economic growth, job creation, and investment attraction.

The City’s internal service departments have confirmed that the properties were not required for the provisions of municipal basic services.

As such, the City views the opportunity as a means to catalyse economic growth by optimising these properties for retail and commercial business.

The developer will have an opportunity to seek a workable traffic and parking solution for the precinct.  At the same time, achieve greater integration with the existing business node to create a better urban environment.

Part of the consideration is also the relocation and development of a new library in proximity to the existing library to continue to provide uninterrupted services in the local community. 

The details of which will become available to the general public should a land use application process commence.

Preliminary concepts are being explored by the City’s library services.

Nicola Jowell, councillor for Ward 115, said that she is aware of residents' concerns but that she would be guided by the final report, with all comments and recommendations from the department.

"It is understandable that there would be hesitation from the community, and there are absolutely some areas of concern, and there are some exciting opportunities too.

"A purpose-built library that could be carbon/environmentally neutral, with a community meeting room, along with other community facilities, opening up onto the public part with a coffee shop attached.

"That could be an amazing space that adds huge value to the area," she said. 

Ms Jowell said that the comment period was also a time for residents to be able to give input on their concerns about what could be built in the space if it is sold, and how it could be of benefit to the community. 

"This is an emotive issue as there is so much history and memories in the current library space, but the report, once all is consolidate,d will guide the next steps," she said.