City’s library stalwart Tsotetsi bids farewell after 39 years

Patricia Tsotetsi has dedicated nearly four decades to the City of Johannesburg's Library and Information Services (LIS), serving with commitment and heart. She was among pioneers who helped establish the Klipspruit Children's Library, and over 39 years, helped shape spaces that opened worlds for young readers and communities.

On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, Tsotetsi, LIS Manager Region C, bids farewell after a career marked by passion for books, education and people.

Her journey began in 1987 shortly after matriculating. Young and bright-eyed, she joined Chiawelo Library as a Library Assistant before moving to Phiri Library. It was here that she took her first steps in furthering her studies, enrolling for a Diploma in Library and Information Practice.

By the time she moved to Klipspruit Library, she had been promoted to Senior Library Assistant and had obtained her BTech Degree in Library and Information Studies. Her hunger to learn kept her going. She played a key role in transforming Klipspruit into a children's library before moving to Pimville Library as a Librarian.

She later served as a Senior Librarian at the Johannesburg Public Library, heading the children's section. During this time, she also pursued a National Diploma in Library and Information Science at the University of Cape Town (UCT), sponsored by Carnegie.

Her journey then took her to the Service Extension Reading Department (SERD), where she promoted reading through programmes across the City. “This involved selecting books for children, setting questions and quizzing them to see if they read with understanding," she explains.

She was later promoted to Manager, working across regions E and C. Among the highlights of her career are programmes aimed at fostering a reading culture, including indigenous reading initiatives that encourage learners to read in their mother tongue.

Asked what kept her going for 39 years, Tsotetsi says it was the people and the work on the ground. “I loved interacting with people, going to schools and reading to children. Those were the magical days," she says.

She attributes her personal growth to the City's subsidised education opportunities, Carnegie and colleagues who supported her. “They have been my family for 39 years. I will miss them dearly."

“I want to travel the world, by myself. I love baking and gardening, and I recently bought a sewing machine. I want to do everything leisurely."

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
31/03/2026

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