Some stories begin with a single book. For Kouga Local Municipality’s Chief Librarian, Linda Jack, that story started as a young girl quietly turning pages in a public library while waiting for her mother. Today, nearly three decades later, that same love for reading has inspired a career dedicated to opening doors to knowledge, creating welcoming spaces for communities, and ensuring that libraries remain places where curiosity, opportunity and lifelong learning thrive.
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KOUGA – Kouga Local Municipality Chief Librarian, Linda Jack, has dedicated nearly three decades to transforming Kouga’s libraries into vibrant community hubs where a lifelong passion for reading continues to inspire learning, promote literacy and create opportunities for residents of all ages.
A childhood shaped by books
For Jack, working in libraries was never part of a carefully crafted career plan. Instead, it was a journey that began with a simple love for reading.
Growing up in Gqeberha, Jack’s mother, who worked as a domestic worker, often took her along during the school holidays. While her mother worked, the young girl spent hours at the city’s Main Library – a place that soon became her sanctuary.
“I loved reading and would borrow as many books as I could. When school started again, my mother knew exactly what I liked to read. She would borrow books for me and return them on my behalf. My love for books started at a very young age,” she recalls.
After matriculating, Jack dreamed of becoming a radiographer. When she did not meet the admission requirements, a student counsellor at the former PE Technikon encouraged her to consider Information and Library Services – a suggestion that would change the course of her life.
She completed both her Diploma and BTech qualification before embarking on her professional journey.
Finding her home in Kouga
Jack’s first appointment was at a library in a resource centre that was part of the former Border Technikon in Mdantsane, but it wasn’t long before she accepted a position with the former Port Elizabeth Municipality.
Two years later, another opportunity arose – this time at the Jeffreys Bay Transitional Local Council. The interview remains one of her most memorable career moments.
“It was held in the Council Chambers before about nineteen councillors. They conducted the interview in both English and Afrikaans and asked several questions in Afrikaans. I explained that I couldn’t answer in Afrikaans and requested permission to respond in English.”
Her confidence paid off.
On 1 December 1997, Jack officially joined the Jeffreys Bay Library as a Library Assistant.
Over the years, she steadily progressed through the ranks, first becoming Senior Library Assistant, then Librarian, before being appointed Libraries Coordinator for Kouga Local Municipality
Today, she serves as the municipality’s Chief Librarian, overseeing 14 libraries across the region.
Growing libraries, growing communities
Jack has never been content with simply maintaining library services. She has always looked for ways to expand them.
Soon after becoming Libraries Coordinator, she recognised that several libraries were operating only a few days a week.
“I wrote a proposal explaining that communities needed full-time libraries because children relied on them to complete homework, do assignments and simply enjoy reading.”
The proposal was approved.
She later motivated for new libraries in underserved communities, resulting in facilities being established in KwaNomzamo, Ramaphosa Village, Sewende Laan, Thornhill, Tokyo Sexwale and Sea Vista.
For her, every new library represents another opportunity to empower a community.
A day in the life of a Chief Librarian
No two days are exactly alike, but Jack’s responsibilities are as varied as they are rewarding.
Her day typically includes:
- Opening the library and attending to administration.
- Responding to emails and managing operational matters.
- Coordinating services across Kouga’s 14 libraries.
- Liaising with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
- Meeting with Friends of the Library groups and community stakeholders.
- Supporting library staff across the municipality.
- Managing collection development and sourcing new books.
- Planning educational and recreational monthly programmes.
- Visiting libraries to assess maintenance needs and ensure facilities remain welcoming and functional.
“We have a year plan, but every month we plan ahead for the following month’s activities,” she explains.
One of the aspects she enjoys most is connecting with library users.
“It is wonderful interacting with the public. We also have visually impaired residents who meet quarterly at the Jeffreys Bay Library, as well as similar services at the Kruisfontein and Patensie libraries. Whenever I have the opportunity, I spend time chatting with them and finding out how we can better meet their needs.”
Changing lives, one reader at a time
Ask Jack why her work matters, and her answer comes without hesitation.
“For me, it is about helping children learn to read and write. We know there are learners in the Foundation Phase who still struggle with literacy. Reading is the foundation for every subject at school. If a child can read well, learning becomes so much easier.”
Her passion for reading extends beyond the workplace and into her own home.
“My children would bring me their books and say, ‘Mommy, please read.’ It became part of our daily routine. Even if parents only spend a few minutes reading with their children every day, it can make a remarkable difference to their academic performance.”
A vision for the future
Although Kouga’s libraries continue to evolve, Jack believes there is still more that can be achieved.
“My dream is for every library in Kouga to have three or four state-of-the-art computers dedicated to public use, with fast internet access. We live in a digital age. While people still love reading books, we must also provide the technology they need to learn, study and access information.”
She also encourages every resident to make use of the municipality’s library services.
“If you are a permanent resident of Kouga, membership is free. You can borrow up to four books for two weeks, access e-books through the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and children can participate in our exciting programmes.”
Visitors to the area are also welcome.
“Holidaymakers can join as temporary members by paying a refundable deposit. They receive a visitor’s card and can enjoy all the library’s facilities during their stay.”
More than books
For nearly three decades, Jack has done far more than manage libraries. She has helped create safe, welcoming spaces where curiosity is nurtured, literacy is encouraged, and communities come together.
Every book borrowed, every child inspired to read and every resident welcomed through the library doors is a reminder that libraries are about far more than shelves and stories. They are gateways to knowledge, opportunity and hope.
And behind those doors is a woman whose own story began with a little girl sitting quietly in a library, discovering that the pages of a book could change a life – including her own.
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