As the countdown to the final 2025 matric exams begins, the City of Cape Town’s public libraries are once again stepping up to offer learners a safe, supportive space to study.
With year-end pressure mounting and late-night study sessions becoming the norm, these libraries are transforming into quiet havens for concentration and preparation.
In a statement shared this week, the City highlighted its commitment to education, announcing that ‘various City libraries have made arrangements to assist learners, and matriculants in particular, by creating dedicated spaces to study and prepare for their final exams.’
This initiative forms part of the City’s ongoing matric support programme, which not only provides study areas but also gives learners access to essential resources such as study guides, textbooks, free stationery, and the SmartCape online service, a digital tool that allows students to access past exam papers and other online materials (C0CT).
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The programme isn’t limited to physical resources. Learners can also use the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), which lets them search for library materials remotely. This system, the City notes, ‘will save readers time when looking for library materials’ and can be accessed both at home or inside the library itself.
Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, said the City recognises the immense stress that exam season brings.
‘We know what a stressful time the exams can be, and so our libraries are doing everything possible to give learners the edge,’ she explained.
She added that the City encourages all matriculants to make full use of these resources and wished them success in their preparation.
‘In just a few weeks’ time, learners in other grades will also start preparing for their year-end exams in earnest, and I want to remind them that these resources are at their disposal too.’
Each library across the metro is tailoring its support based on available space and layout. Some will introduce booking systems or time slots for study sessions, depending on demand, ensuring fair access for everyone.
City officials also emphasised that learners should check in with their local libraries to confirm the arrangements in their area, as opening hours and study schedules may differ.
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