News Bulletin of 17 June 2025, 5pm

A passionate group of local residents is working to revive the Killarney Library, tucked away in the basement of Killarney Mall in Johannesurg.
Known as the Friends of the Killarney Library, the group has grown to 70 members committed to transforming the space into a vibrant community hub.
They’ve launched an awareness campaign that has already increased visitor numbers.
To raise funds for improvements and community events, they are hosting a book sale on July 4 and 5, with over 800 books donated so far.
The group envisions the library as a welcoming space for book clubs, children’s story times, and other activities that bring people together.
Their efforts are helping to restore the library as a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone in the community.

In Indonesia’s Java island, a series of microlibraries is sparking joy and imagination — all while helping boost literacy.
Designed by Dutch-German firm SHAU, these small libraries are built using local materials and traditional cooling techniques that keep them surprisingly comfortable, even in the tropical heat.
From Bandung to Central Java, each design is unique — like the Bima library made of 2,000 recycled ice cream tubs, or the Warak Kayu library with its stilted structure and netted floors.
Children are drawn in by the playful designs and leave inspired by books.
With eight already built since 2012 and a goal of 100 in the next 20 years, this is architecture making a lasting difference — one cool, creative reading space at a time.

Young creatives in Johannesburg are opening new spaces for artists to connect, collaborate, and showcase their work.
A youth-led initiative called Soundcheck, an offshoot of the creative hub Narowbi, offers emerging artists a platform to perform and share their stories — all at no cost.
Held every first Friday of the month at The Commune in Braamfontein, Johannesburg’s CBD, the event gives a stage to independent up-and-coming artists while introducing audiences to fresh talent and authentic local voices.
Lead designer Chulumanco Makuluma says the monthly sessions are about more than just performance.
They’re about building community among creatives and their audiences by hosting intimate live sessions where artists strip down their music and share their stories in a relaxed, stripped-back setting.