National Library Week 2019

To most people, their community library is their first introduction to the wonderful world of reading and literature. It changes the lives of those who enter it by being their knowledge hub. Even in this digital age, our libraries and librarians are still very important.
 

7 Reasons why libraries are important:

• They are free.
• They preserve our history and connect our community.
• They are learning centres and offers hobby, crafts, storytelling, etc. to their community.
• Books aren’t the only item that you can borrow. Most libraries have a selection of movies, CDs and magazines that you can sign out.
• You can access a computer with free internet at your library.
• Librarians help children with school projects and homework. They can help people to use a computer and the internet.
• Your library is a quiet space where you can study or read the latest newspapers and magazines.

Public libraries have always played a significant role in our communities, providing essential services to help neighbourhoods thrive by offering quiet spaces to learn and explore.  

To highlight the importance of libraries in communities The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) is celebrating South African Library  Week from 18-24 March 2018. 

The theme for 2019, “Collaborate @ your library”. The term collaborate means to:

• Work together.
• Share resources.
• Form teams.
• Develop relationships and partnerships.

This is to encourage libraries and communities from all walks of life to share and receive mutual benefits from forging relationships. According to LIASA, Library and Information Services are valuable collaborators in providing and promoting:

• Access to information holistically.
• Compelling customer service.
• Lifelong learning.
• Assistance with research and data collection.
• Access to infrastructure, publicity, and other expertise.
• Places and spaces for community programmes and community involvement.
• Innovation and critical thinking.

Library Week is an annual event that’s celebrated every 3^rd week of March. The celebration aims to support the national drive to promote literacy through the provision of library and information services.

This year’s Library Week launch will take place in Caledon at the Victoria Hall on Monday, 18 March. The event is a collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and the Theewaterskloof Municipality  The launch programme is available as well as the Library Week Programme which runs from 18-20 March in the Theewaterskloof Municipality. You can use our Living Atlas to find your nearest library and find out what exciting programmes your library has planned for this year’s library week and how you can be a part of it.

Visit your local library for a quiet and safe place to learn and access information for a school or personal project. At your local library you can discover a world on your doorstep where you can collaborate with like-minded people, your friends or community.