The library provides access to two online encyclopedias. The library's holdings can be searched online via the City of Cape Town's Open Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).[2]
Fish Hoek is a bedroom community with approximately 12,000 residents.[3] To allow commuters to access resources, the library is open on Monday and Thursday evenings. The library opened on 1 April 1954 in an old municipal building and was run for the next 36 years by Ethel May Gillard.[4] The library opened its current location[5] in 1988[4]
The children's section of the library is used by grandparents who are taking care of their grandchildren while parents are working in the city. On Friday mornings, the library operates a Story Hour for small children.[6]
As part of the Smartcape initiative[7] for poor residents of Cape Town, the library also offers free access to 10 computers, which can be used to edit documents, create presentations and access the internet.[8] Also a part of community outreach programs is a book service to local old-age homes, as well as specialised services to local home schoolers.
The library holds a monthly literary tea talk,[9][10] featuring local authors, who visit to discuss their books and conducts a regular book sale. Originally begun as a fundraising event, the annual "Library Alive" promotional fundraiser is now a regular annual event.[11]
In 2015, the library implemented the annual "Blown Away By Books" festival.[12] Although originally presented by Fish Hoek Library, the festival has now grown to include nearby libraries in Masiphumelele, Ocean View, Kommetjie and Simons Town.[13]
On the second and last Saturdays of the month, the library hosts a craft market.[14]
The library in the Masiphumelele township was managed by the Fish Hoek library from 2003 until 2010,[15] when it was reclassified as a separate branch.
