The City of Johannesburg, with its excellent collection of libraries spread throughout the regions, is celebrating South Africa Library Week from 14 to 20 March 2022.
The aim of Library Week is to repurpose both the spaces and services of libraries so that they may continue to be effective in the communities that they serve, allowing users to rediscover how libraries continue to remain relevant in society.
The Covid-19 pandemic also had an unmistakable effect on library services, and it continues to do so.
“Given the impact Covid-19 has had on library services, the theme for the Library Week intends to investigate and interrogate the ways in which libraries are having to reinvent their services and their ability to render those services,” said Nobuntu Mpendulo, the Director of Library and Information Services in the City of Joburg.
During Library Week, the City’s pop-up libraries can also be seen across the City until 25 March 2022, where librarians will take a collection of resources outside the physical library space to the public.
Members of the public are invited to visit the pop-up libraries to learn about the unique services that libraries provide in today’s demanding world, where knowledge has become a precious commodity, and to support the message of the significance of reading and learning.
The week will also be used by the City’s libraries as a fine-free/amnesty period during which community members are encouraged to return overdue books. The fine-free period has already begun this year, running from 1-31 March 2022.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Councillor Ronald Harris is pleased with the work done by Johannesburg’s libraries.
“The excellent collection of Joburg libraries exceeds all expectations. Reading broadens your horizons and allows you to visit areas you have never visited before. You become a part of the experience that shapes your thinking,” he said.
Fun activities such as story hours and puppet shows will be held to build buzz and excitement. The general public will be able to register as a library member and learn more about eBooks and eLearning through online registration. More information may be obtained on the eLearning website www.cojelearning.org.za
Community members who are unable to visit the pop-up libraries are invited to join the library’s Facebook page @JoburgLibraries and participate in the many Library Week digital programmes, which will include story times, arts and crafts programmes, competitions for school learners, and discussions on a variety of topics.
Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi
15/03/2021