Building trust and resilience: how public libraries foster social capital in disadvantaged South African communities

Purpose This study aims to investigate how public libraries in disadvantaged South African communities foster social capital. It focuses on the Emfuleni Local Municipality, where poverty and unemployment are widespread. It examines the role of libraries in providing trusted spaces, skills-oriented programmes and relationships of trust that empower individuals and strengthen community resilience. Design/methodology/approach The research employed a sequential explanatory case study design, combining quantitative survey data from 115 patrons and 58 library staff with qualitative interviews and documentary analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to assess programme participation and trust, while thematic analysis of interviews provided contextual depth and triangulation of findings. Findings The study found that libraries create social capital in three ways: offering safe spaces for interaction, delivering programmes that enhance employability and digital literacy and building trust through supportive staff–patron relationships. Quantitative results showed high programme participation and trust levels, while interviews highlighted empowerment, resilience and a sense of belonging among patrons. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to one municipality and uses self-reported data. Findings may not be generalised across Africa. Future studies should adopt comparative and longitudinal designs to expand understanding of how libraries foster social capital in diverse contexts. Practical implications Results indicate that libraries should be recognised as essential infrastructures of resilience and development. Policy and funding strategies should expand employability-focused programmes and strengthen monitoring systems to capture the broader societal value of public libraries. Social implications The research shows that libraries in disadvantaged settings enhance community cohesion, trust and resilience. They provide opportunities for skills development and empowerment, enabling individuals to pursue employment and strengthen their social networks. Originality/value This is one of the few empirical studies on libraries and social capital in an African context. It demonstrates how libraries function not only as service providers but also as infrastructures of empowerment and resilience, contributing to global debates on the societal role of public libraries.