MODDERFONTEIN LIFE
The history of the Modderfontein Libray
As the Library saga unfolds it seems appropriate to relate some of its history. This
article was compiled by K. Köhler, an authority on the heritage of Modderfontein
and a grandson of the first Factory Engineer. The Casino Building was designed
with a specific hall set aside for a library. This was a hall facing the front verandah
and had large windows and glass panels in the double doors, as well as a glass
pa nel in the East wall next to the upstairs entrance hall. This was to let in plenty of
natural light. The bottom sections of these glass panels and windows were encrust-
ed with a semi-opaque patterned design covering, to render a measure of privacy
to Library users.
The West wall was fitted with a magnificent fire place fitted above with a large mir-
ror. The South wall only had one door in it which allowed entrance from the inside
passage. On either side of this door there were very tall separate book cases (one
now in the Dynamite Museum) with magazine cabinets below and book shelves
above. The book shelve sections fitted with lock-up glass doors and the inside of
each one fitted with an anti ultra violet curtain to protect the books. The hall was
panelled with wood, and the floor was fitted with parquet flooring and covered
with a large carpet.
There were well placed overhead lights hanging from the ceiling as well as some
wall lights to ensure that there was adequate lighting for reading. During the win-
ter months a coal fire would be laid in the fire place and lit at 4.00 p.m. to ensure
adequate heating. A loaded coal scuttle would stand on one side and a set of highly
polished brass fire irons on the other. A large ornamental silver vase stood on the
mantle peace reflecting tastefully in the mirror behind it. The whole ambience of
the library hall was very satisfying. The library doors were never locked and were
open to all MDF residents to use as a reading room. This was to cater for shift
workers whose working hours were irregular.
One had to join the library by way of a MDF Club deduction specifically for this
purpose. This gave access to the lock-up book cases that contained fiction and
non-fiction books. Friday night was library night and borrowers were allowed to
keep books for 2 weeks.
The other furniture consisted of an ornate 16 foot by 9 foot reading table on sturdy
carved legs. Under each of the verandah side windows there were two large brown
leather covered Setees and there were several other covered club easy chairs. At
intervals round the table there were beautifully carved wooden chairs with horse
hair upholstered and leather covered seats in navy blue. Next to the fire place there
was an unusual revolving book case constructed in two decks and containing the
24 Volumes of a 1911 copy of the Encyclopedia Britanica. There were also several
large lecturns magnificently made in wood to contain a selection of the morning,
evening and Sunday newspapers (a lock-up strip of wood held the papers in place).
On the central table there were brown leather covered folders into which a wide
selection of up-to-date magazines were secured with a brass blade which was
Continued....