Book Review by Christo: Nie vir kinders nie by Francois Bloemhof

Bloemhof once again pushing the boundaries on issues pertaining young adults as they grow into adolescence - rebellions, finding themselves, experimenting with drugs, prostitution. This book won the Sanlam gold prize for literature in 2005.

 

  

Central Library's 2nd Annual Heritage Festival -22-23 September 2015

Central Library’s 2^nd Annual Heritage Festival 22-23 September 2015

Central Library was very proud to once again host the Heritage Festival, 2^nd year running. The theme of this year’s event focussed on Indigenous Knowledge through language, food, games, music and story-telling which was a common thread throughout the event.

The event consisted of display tables and scheduled talks.

The exhibitors:

ABA TE – ‘Carry Me’

It is an organisation that promotes Indigenous Language, Culture, Games, Music and so much more. They have been featured in local newspapers as they have hosted many markets and workshops around the city, namely the Slave Church in Long Street as well as the Castle of Good Hope. My contact person: Carlo Randall is also well versed with the natural medicines found on Table Mountain. He gave an insightful talk on these herbs but also on Indigenous Games and why it is necessary to preserve them. Carlo was joined by Collyn Meyer who demonstrated how to use a mouth bow and how to make one as well. Bradley van Sitters astounded the audience with his knowledge and practice of the Nama Language which got into an interesting debate about why the Nama language is not been recognised as an official language.

Fatima Sydow

 Well known Cape Town cook and Food Magician was a breath of fresh air as she inspired would be foodies with her recollection of her favourite recipes including her journey to “discover” the koeksister as she is only familiar with the koesister. She explained how she met a “Tannie” who was staying on a farm who shared her love story of the koeksister and other favourite delicacies. Her time at Central was not in vain as she got orders from the patrons who attended the event.


Linda Fortune – Author and Tour Guide

Linda Fortune’s Memory Box surprised many students, learners and the general public with the Memory box, called the House in Tyne Street based on her book by the same name. The miniature box brought the book back to life and it was provided a familiar history to those who visited her display. She spoke about her memories being Forcibly Removed from District Six. There were learners who saw her as a brilliant resource for their projects on Apartheid.

Woman Zone

This organisation consisting of 13 women story-tellers provided our patrons with a wonderful recollection of their individual stories and equally the importance of story-telling. One of our regular story-tellers, Phillippa Kabali Kagwa and Sylvia Gangat who feature in the book , Being Woman in Cape Town shared their stories with us. Woman Zone expressed their willingness to be a apart of any future story-telling events we have at Central and would like to forge a partnership with Central Library.

The National Library of South Africa

NLSA did not have a vocal presence in the form of any talks for the two days but their presence was equally powerful and welcomed by the visiting public. They ensured us that they will be more than willing to be part of this event in the future.

Next year’s theme will be: Marine and Natural Heritage

Book Review by Happiness: Handmade glass painted greeting cards by Judy Balchin

Good for dummies who struggle with art ideas, as there are templates that you can cut around, then paint and do your art.

Book Review by Mario: Leonardo da Vinci: life and work by Elke Linda Buchholz

A realistic portrait of a great man.  Recommended for 10-12 year olds.

Book Review by Tania: Forging Dragons by John Howe

John Howe shows you how to bring dragons to life on the page through sketching, painting and conceptualising. A beautiful book.

Book Review by Mandla: Shacks, Shelter and Shanty towns by John Howe

This is about the lives of disadvantaged people.  Although they stay in shacks they make creative use of what they have in order to make their homes beautiful.

Book Review by Crystal Basson: Wedding Favours by Antonia Swinson

A beautifully illustrated book on different gifts you can present to your guests.  Homemade ideas for couples on a tight budget.

Book Review by Kaylene: Steampunk by Spurgeon Vaughn Radcliffe

This showcases various fashion houses in the Steampunk Genre.  Many beautiful photographs.

Book Review by Angela: Kids Knit by Sarah Bradberry

This book is about showing your child how to knit and that knitting is not just for adults.  Children can knit their own hats, bags and dolls.  Recommended for ages 12 to 16.

Book Review by Nomalungelo: The joy of needlecraft by Kate Tull

This is an embroidery book for decorating cushions, tablecloths, bed linens etc.  It is recommended for someone starting to learn embroidery.

Book Review by Nonkqubela: Pretty Pillows: 40 inspiring projects to grace your home: by Susie Johns

Really lovely cushions that I would try to make with my daughter.  These would be great as gifts if you want to make personalised cushions and chair covers.  I would love to have this book at home.

Book Review by Mariam: Fashion Now by Terry Jones

This book is about famous designers,  giving a short background of where and how they started out and stunning pictures of their fashions.  A well-photographed book.

Book Review by Aziza: Art of Spain (DVD)

An award-winning series by Andrew Graham-Dixon.  Watching the DVD is much like taking an actual tour of artistic Spain. Andrew renders a verbal and visual masterpiece.

Book Review by Margaux: Annie Leibovitz: life through a Lens (DVD)

A documentary about the photographer Annie Leibovitz and how her career has flourished. She is a very successful photographer who has captured international icons and movie stars.  Very informative and thought-provoking.

Book Review by Chris: Wedding Photojournalism by Bill Hurter

Photography at weddings taken to the next level. Everything from the camera equipment to capturing the whole wedding in great creative detail. I like the emphasis on the photographer being a journalist and being present while everything happens. 

Book Review by Aziza: Dawn to dark photographs: the magic of light

Soothing, captivating and inspiring.  This book is a compilation of photographs and motivational sayings.  Beautiful and inspiring photographs from around the globe of human, animal, plant and planetary activity from dawn till dusk. 

Book Review by Deirdre: Liberty Design 1874 - 1914 by Barbara Morris

A history of Liberty of London from 1874 to 1914.  Known chiefly for its textiles, Liberty was also originally famous for its furniture, ceramics and metalwork.  A very interesting and informative work with beautiful illustrations.

Book Review by Renee: Vintage Swimwear by Sarah Kennedy

This book covers swimwear over the 20^th century.  How swimwear changed from the one piece to the two piece.  Beautiful pictures throughout the book.  

Book Review by Stacey: New Jewellery by Amanda Mansell

The author is a goldsmith, silversmith, metal worker and jewellery maker. She also designs catwalk jewellery for fashion designers.  A lot of the jewellery is not to my taste, but some of it is beautiful.