As part of the 2026 South African Library Week celebrations, the Colin Eglin Sea Point Public Library team launched a knitting club that has quickly become a cherished community tradition.
Affectionately named the ‘KnitWits’, a title coined by the club’s most senior member, 98‑year‑old Margaret Bodley, the group gathers every Tuesday morning at the library from 10h30 to 12h00. Margaret, energetic and endearing, is often the first to arrive with her carer, setting the tone for mornings filled with conversation, creativity and companionship.
What began with just five members has blossomed into a lively circle of twelve, supported by the Friends of Colin Eglin Sea Point Library. Patrons are charmed by the sight of librarians knitting at the circulation desk, and the club’s posters continue to spark interest from those eager to learn or rediscover the craft.
The KnitWits embody generosity sharing wool, needles, ideas and encouragement. Novices are guided with patience, while seasoned knitters pass on their skills with joy. Their first major project was ambitious and heartfelt and included knitting 67 teddy bears for Mandela Day. On 16 July 2026, six members personally delivered the bears to children at a local hospital, a moment that crowned three months of dedicated work with smiles and gratitude.
As friendships deepen and projects grow, the KnitWits are not only knitting scarves and teddy bears, but they are also knitting the community together, one stitch at a time!
By Nathiera Crombie
Librarian
Colin Eglin Sea Point Library
