For as long as I’ve been at Bishop Lavis Library, we have had a young patron who has been with us since her primary school days. I initially got to know her through her brother and as she progressed into high school, she continued to visit the library more regularly. Coming from a disadvantaged background, the library has always been more than just a place to borrow books for her and her family. It has been a safe, welcoming space where they felt supported and seen.
In September 2025, she shared with me that she would not be able to attend her matric ball due to financial constraints. It was clear how much this milestone meant to her and I felt compelled to assist. I reached out to my family network and through my aunt we were fortunate to find someone who generously sponsored everything she needed from the dress to the shoes, bag, and accessories.
Her parents were deeply grateful and seeing her looking absolutely beautiful on her special day was incredibly moving. Being able to make a meaningful difference in even one young person’s life is truly humbling. Moments like these reaffirm why our work in libraries matters so deeply to the communities we serve.
And I believe this is exactly what our ED Zukiswa meant when she spoke about the ‘importance of being a good human’.
Nicole Harker
Senior Librarian
Bishop Lavis Library