While limited privately sponsored library facilities were available in Graaff-Reinet from about 1818, it was not until 1847 that the citizens of the town established a public library, subscribing funds to build the central portion of the present building in Church Street. The plot of ground was later donated by the Government. Although initially the lack of adequate funds retarded the growth of the library, it developed over the years into the town’s cultural centre. By 1878 the original building proved inadequate, necessitating the addition of the southern wing. In 1926 the northern wing was added on the site of the old branddam (a stone reservoir kept full of water for use in the event of fire).

This building served the town as its library until 1981 when a modern library was built in Parsonage Street. The municipality donated the old building to the Graaff-Reinet Museum which now uses it to house specialized collections. It was proclaimed a National Monument on 27 February 1987.

In 2005, with the assistance of the National Lottery Distribution fund, the Board of Trustees of the Museum developed the building to include conference facilities and exhibition areas to portray the history of the previously disadvantaged community of Graaff-Reinet.

VISITING HOURS

Monday – Thursday 08:00 – 13:00
13:45 – 16:30
Friday 08:00 – 13:00
13:30 – 16:00
Saturdays 09:00 – 13:00
Sundays 09:00 – 13:00
Public Holidays 09:00 – 13:00
SERVICES

Museum Shop
Africana Library
Conference Facility
Guided Tours on request
Educational tours on request
Museum Shop

Home of the Graaff-Reinet Tourism Office
Tel: 049 8924248

ATTRACTIONS

The Lex Bremner fossil collection
Rock Art exhibition and Stone Age Collection
The Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe Permanent Exhibition
Slavery and the Long Road to Restitution Exhibition
Lucas Borman Furniture
Karoo Transvisions in Energy: From Mythology to Renewables ( An Exhibition sponsored by The Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute)