Pictured here, Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier reads to West End Primary pupils during his visit to the school as part of its South African Library Week celebrations on Tuesday March 18.
Image: Alicia English
Libraries play a crucial role in promoting access to information, literacy, and tolerance and respect among all South Africans. This was the message shared by Western Cape Education Department officials with teachers and pupils of West End Primary on Tuesday March 18.
The officials accompanied Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier on his visit to the school as part of its South African Library Week celebrations. Mr Maynier encouraged teachers to develop a love for reading among their pupils.
“It is so important that we spend time every day mastering reading. The most important message today to all our learners, of course, is that reading can be fun because it introduces you to a world that allows you to experience a world in your own imagination,” he told pupils.
The theme of this year’s library week, which ran from March 17 to 23 March, is “Libraries for Sustainable Communities”.
Timothy Cloete, head of the Western Cape Education Department’s Education Library and Information Service (Edulis), said SA Library Week is celebrated annually to raise the profile of libraries, especially in previously disadvantaged areas in South Africa and the important role they play in a democratic society.
“We want to create a library as a space where everything can happen. In building libraries, we involve the communities and bring them together,” he said.
Mr Cloete said building a single centralised school library can amount to over R1 million, which schools often do not have. He urged schools to start small by introducing reading corners into their classrooms and buying reading materials that can be shared among classes until they can develop their own libraries.
“Libraries are more than just books. They are apps of knowledge, culture and social connection,” he added.
Pictured from left, Elana Pekeur of Petór Creatives showcased the non-profit company's crafts to Francine Higham, mayoral committee member for community services and health and Mu-izz Hendricks, senior librarian of Westridge Library.
Image: Alicia English
Libraries across Mitchell’s Plain also celebrated the week with various programmes and events.
On Wednesday March 19, Cancer Association of South Africa members hosted a wellness programme, including chair yoga sessions, at the Westridge Library.
On Thursday, March 20, the library welcomed Francine Higham, mayoral committee member for community services and health for a quick tour of the facility.
Tafelsig Library hosted Strand home cooks Najma Abrahams and Azba Fanie (Tietie and Nanna) on Thursday March 20, much to the delight of members of the Happy Chappies senior club pictured here.
Image: Supplied
Ms Higham also visited Lentegeur Library earlier that day, while Tafelsig Library hosted Strand home cooks Najma Abrahams and Azba Fanie (Tietie and Nanna), much to the delight of members of the Happy Chappies senior club, the Tafelsig Book Club and participants in the City's matrix programme.
The Strand duo showcased their cookbook Tietie and Nana se Huiskos and inspired their guests with details of their culinary journey
Westridge Library concluded its library week programme with a showcase of crafts by Carlies Darlings crochet club on Saturday March 23.