Windhoek — In March 2005 the City of Windhoek officially opened a library in the the Greenwell Matongo area of Katutura.

Little did they know how very popular it would be among children and the whole community that live around it four years later.

The Greenwell Matongo Community Library, as it is known, was a joint venture between the Cities of Windhoek and Vantaa in Finland.

The first time this writer visited the library, a few months ago it was filled to capacity and this was also the case on the five visits thereafter. Whether it owes its popularity in part to the soup kitchen directly in front of it or not, this wealth of books is forever full, Monday to Saturday.

It is so popular that during the lunch hour, there are many kids waiting outside the building to get in.

An ever-present at the library has been Taimi Shaanika, a librarian assistant who has been there since the library opened. She confirmed the the popularity of the library, stating that it is now a major part of life in that community.

"This place is very popular, the kids just love it," she said. Sometimes, especially during examination months, we have to turn some of them away because there is simply not enough space to accommodate everybody".

"The library and its people do give us good service," said a visibly happy grade 10 learner. You can study in peace here because the place is very silent".

"I come here everyday, I like the internet and printing stuff from the computer," said 16 year old Elvis Mukungu, a grade 11 learner.

According to Shaanika, registered members can borrow books and children can use the big study room. She said the library also offers a wide range of services from internet, word-processing, printing, photocopying, faxing, lamination, storytelling and videos.