Arts, Culture & Heritage
X-twitter Facebook Instagram
Blue Plaque Sites

Orlando East Public Library

Table of Contents

About Orlando East Public Library

Damaged plaque replaced on 18 May 2023

Address

Mooki Street, Orlando East, Soweto
2013

Inscription

The first purpose-built library in Soweto, the Orlando East Public Library opened in 1950. Built by trainees of Orlando Vocational Training Centre, it was bigger than the existing public library branches in Johannesburg. At the time, this was probably the most significant public library for Africans in the country. The library received a special gift in 1963, with the donation of the private collection of Dr. A. B. Xuma, a former ANC President. The facility was upgraded and extended in 2000, and remains the oldest active library in Soweto.

Photo courtesy: Kabelo Mokoena (Sunday Times)

Explore Joburg

A culmination of research gathered over many years, the Online Johannesburg Heritage Register is being launched on Nelson Mandela Day 18 July 2025.

Among the many heritage sites featured is Chancellor House, the downtown offices of Mandela and Tambo Attorneys in the 1950s. After having been vacant and shuttered for more than a decade, this iconic building is being revived and brought to life once again as offices for the Community Development Department, which oversees the City’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Services.

Browse Heritage Sites