Places of Interest > Ricardo Mulder Library

 

Ricardo Mulder Library (Edenvale Community Library)

 

    

 

HISTORY OF THE LIBRARY

 

On 1 July 1955, the library had a humble start when the mayor, Councilor Bezuidenhout, unlocked the door of the first library, an office in the Town Treasurer's Department.

Early in 1957, the library was moved to a converted residence in Van Riebeeck Avenue. Soon, however, this building proved to be too small and in 1961 a subcommittee was appointed to investigate the feasibility of a new library.

This building designed by Mr H F Wichmann, was completed in 1964. The design made provision for books for a population of about 20 000 and incorporated an auditorium that could seat about 200 people.

Extended services once again created a problem of insufficient space and constant rearrangements had to be made.

 

 

In the mid-eighties, the auditorium had to sacrificed in favour of the Children's Section. by 1990,theproblem had become so acute that no additional stock could be accommodated - even the kitchens had to be used as work areas! Meanwhile, the use of the Library exceeded all limits.

In 1991, a further milestone was reached when the Council approved the construction of a new Library building. Very close co-operation with the architect was maintained throughout all the planning and building phases. The needs of the local community had been the focal point during the whole process. On October 1993, the well-planned, functional building with its aesthetically pleasing architecture and emphasis on cultural aspects, was inaugurated. The official opening and the unveiling of the plaque took place on 23 October 1993.

 

Information provided by the Ricardo Mulder Community Library - Reference Section

 

 

The Ricardo Mulder Library was named after the town's former Town Treasurer, who held the position for 34 years.

Ricardo Mulder passed away on September 18 1992. He was the first Town Treasurer and was responsible for the design for a new coat of arms in 1946. This coat of arms represented Edenvale for 17 years.

 

The library is spacious and is lit almost entirely by natural light.

There are two small corners of the Library which might go unnoticed, the one is on the History of Edenvale, the other on the History of the Library. This library is well worth the visit, and the library staff are always very helpful.

 

 

The Ricardo Mulder Library on SABC program.

 

ArchitectureZA - P. McInerney on the Ricardo Mulder / Edenvale Library