Town Council of Transvaal Administration - Start building

Up until 1968, membership was restricted to children older than eight years of age, and only persons above the age of 16 could use the reference material.  These rules were amended in 1968 so that children under the age of eight could become members.

Due to the establishment of mine depot’s in the early 1950’s, the membership and usage of the Library, including the issuing of books, declined sharply.

In the 1950’s, the Library facilities became inadequate and it was decided to build a new building that would house the Library only.  In the late 1950’s, work started on the new Library building.  Mr. F.H. Odendaal the Administrator of the Transvaal at that time opened the Library on the 10^th February 1961.

Because the Town Council had made a large contribution to the erection of the new building, it was decided that they would have more say in the running of the Library.  The Library has been a part of the Town Council since 1962.  The Library Committee existed up until 1974 but only in an advisory capacity.  Mr. B. Marchand was a member of the library committee from 1937 until his death in 1972, mostly in the capacity of chairperson.

Services to Immergroen Old Age Home, Paxton Prison, and the Hospital started in 1972.  Some years later services to the Paxton Prison and the Hospital were terminated.

In 1975, a children’s section and administration offices were built on to the library.

The Clewer TPA Library Depot was taken over by the Witbank Public Library and became a branch of the Witbank Library in February 1981.  In 1981, the Schoongezicht TPA Library Depot is also taken over by Witbank Public Library.  Schoongezicht Branch Library had to be closed a few years ago however closed some years ago due to damage which occurred in the times of unrest.

In 1986, Klipfontein Branch Library was established to serve a section of the community too far away from the main library.

In 1987, Clewer Branch Library was moved to a larger premises and the service supplied was extended.

Currently the Library provides a service to all communities.  Story hours are presented on a regular basis at the different branch libraries.  Holiday programmes are also presented at the different branch libraries during school holidays.