Rosebank Public Library

Pictured is the interior of Rosebank Public Library with shelves on either side of the room and an issue desk in the middle.

Rosebank Public Library is located on 8 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, at the southern end of Keyes Art Mile.[1] The northern portion of this pedestrianised open-air high street precinct offers multiple galleries to the visually literate consumer who is committed to enabling urban resilience. The southern portion of Keyes Avenue is where Rosebank Public Library is located.

Facilities and Services

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Rosebank Library provides a range of facilities and services for its patrons, including:

  • Book Lending: The library boasts a large collection of books for adults, children, and young adults, covering a wide range of genres, from fiction to non-fiction, as well as academic and reference materials.
  • Computer Access: The library offers free access to three computers with internet. Wifi is also available.[2]
  • Children's Programs: During the school holidays Rosebank Library hosted regular programs and events aimed at children. [3]

History

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The City of Johannesburg’s Engineers Department established Rosebank library in 1955.[4]. Not much has changed in the library since then, and the shelving and layout retain a mid century modern ambiance. Despite its dated appearance, the library remains a literary center for community engagement, information sharing and reading for the homeless and unemployed as well as learners, students and young professionals who are located in nearby schools and workplace.

The Library is centrally located in the heart of Rosebank. It is situated near key landmarks such as the Rosebank Mall, the Rosebank Gautrain station and Rosebank's many galleries, [5] and contributes to the “GLAM” (Galleries, Libraries, Art and Museum) possibilities in Rosebank.

Proposed Demolition

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Those who profess to be textually literate are concerned by the proposed erasure of a 70 year old library at the less trendy end of Keyes Art Mile. Rosebank Library has serviced this high density, mixed use suburb, but has been earmarked for demolition in 2018, by the Johannesburg Property Company, who manage an R8,6 billion property portfolio, on behalf the city. [6] The proposed demolition is part of a bigger project known as Rosebank Linear Park Development.[7][8]. This decision to appoint a professional values to value the Rosebank library property and adjacent park, was announced on a request for tender pages (RFQ188/2025FY/JPC) [9]

Community Impact

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Rosebank Library is an important community resource, especially for students, researchers, and families. It plays a vital role in fostering literacy, providing access to information, and serving as a community gathering place for cultural and educational activities. Many residents of Rosebank and surrounding neighborhoods rely on the library for access to learning materials, career development tools, and recreational reading. The library's emphasis on inclusivity and its ability to adapt to the digital age have made it a key institution in Rosebank’s social and educational landscape.

References

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  1. ^ "Sorry! website unavailable". keyesartmile.co.za. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  2. ^ "Rosebank Library – Cojelearning". 2023-04-03. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  3. ^ https://joburg.org.za/media_/Newsroom/Pages/2013%20articles/2011%20%26%202012%20%20Articles/libraries-keep-kids-busy-.aspx
  4. ^ Content, Print (2017-12-08). "Joburg Property Company announces planned demolition of the Rosebank Library". Rosebank Killarney Gazette. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  5. ^ Rosebank (2022-03-24). "Rosebank, the art district". Rosebank. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  6. ^ Content, Print (2018-09-18). "Decision to demolish the Rosebank Library still pending". Rosebank Killarney Gazette. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  7. ^ "Notice of proposed redevelopment of the Rosebank Library site | The Heritage Portal". www.theheritageportal.co.za. Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  8. ^ "Rosebank Linear Park | StudioMAS". Retrieved 2025-09-24.
  9. ^ https://legacy.jhbproperty.co.za/supply-chain-management-scm/rfqs/