The City of Cape Town’s libraries will celebrate South African Library Week (SALW) from 14 to 20 March with music. Libraries use the annual event to market their services to patrons and the broader community to increase the understanding of the important role they play in a democratic society, such as advancing literacy, making the basic human right of freedom of access to information a reality, and promoting tolerance and respect among all South Africans.
This year’s theme is Reimagine, Repurpose, Rediscover…Libraries.
‘South African Library Week is a celebration of our intellectual and literacy heritage. Libraries play a vital role in collecting, organising, and providing access to information and resources. While they have a responsibility to improve the health literacy of communities, our libraries are also places of knowledge and recreation,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Staff at the City’s Library and Information Services (LIS) opted to celebrate the week differently this year. A music video has been produced featuring an original composition, Library People, as well as performances from LIS staff members. This funky, vibrant video was filmed at various libraries and promotes all the values of SALW.
Keep your eyes on the City’s social media platforms for the Library People video.
Don’t forget about the books and other library materials that should be returned to libraries so that other patrons can enjoy them too.
SALW is also fine-free week and patrons may return their overdue library items without paying a fine during this period.
In addition, City libraries now offer several e-resources. Patrons are able to access e-books and audio books online and read or listen to them on any smart mobile device or personal computer.
All you need is your library card to access e-books on OverDrive via the free Libby app, which allows you to log in to your local library and then access e-books, audiobooks, and magazines.
Use your library card number to register and the password will be the last six digits of your card number.
Another interesting platform is PressReader, which allows patrons to read magazines and newspapers from around the world. Patrons of the City of Cape Town libraries are able to access this resource from their desktops, as well as from smart mobile devices by visiting the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). https://opac,capetown.gov.za
From 1 April, overdue library items will again start to incur fines so use this opportunity to return library items in your possession that are long overdue.
‘Our library services are gradually returning to normal after an extended time of operating under Covid-19 regulations. They are slowly extending their operating hours across the service and the public is encouraged to contact their local library to enquire,’ added Councillor van der Ross.
The last library that could offer only a limited drop and collect service due to ventilation challenges, is finally back in operation. From 1 March 2022, Goodwood Library opened its doors once again to welcome its patrons.
The LIS has invited learners from schools to participate in a ‘Race For Survival Games’ challenge during SALW with the aim of instilling important skills such as teamwork, creativity, listening skills and so much more.
Each area will host 25-30 learners from schools in the surrounding community and several libraries have teamed up in each area to ensure that the programmes are integrated.
In addition, libraries have also teamed up in each area with other City departments to make the programme even more exciting, as well as, transversal. These include Recreation and Parks, City Health, Fire and Rescue Services and Shark Spotters, among others.
Muizenberg Library in Area South kicks off the week on 14 March 2022 at the Muizenberg Civic Centre. Teens can look forward to a Sharkspotters challenge, as well as a contribution by the Muizenberg Historical Society.
On Tuesday, 15 March 2022, Bellville Library will host the Area Central event at Elizabeth Park. Learners can look forward to fun and entertainment on the day.
On Wednesday 16 March 2022, it is the turn of Lwandle Library to host the Area East event. On this day, tent making, song creation, as well as other exciting activities will be part of the programme.
The final programme for the week takes place in Area North on 17 March 2022. Langa Library will be the host and there will be live music and a group of jugglers to entertain the learners and the guests.
‘We hope that through these fun and interactive events, teens will once again rediscover the magic of libraries and see libraries not only as safe spaces, but also spaces where learning is fun and creative,’ added Councillor van der Ross.
Source: City Of Cape Town