GAUTENG MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ms Faith Mazibuko successfully opened and officially handed over two community libraries in Ekurhuleni on August 16.
The brand new Kingsway Library in Benoni and the refurbished Leondale Library in Germiston, were transferred to the City of Ekurhuleni in the presence of community members – both young and old.
The libraries will feature new books, computers and Wi-Fi with access to an electronic database of books, study areas, a children’s library and a reference section. The libraries will serve as community centres where artistic and cultural as well as skills development programmes and activities can take place.
“I am very happy to be opening these two libraries today. I urge learners and all community members to take up membership at these libraries so they can access valuable information stored here,” said MEC Mazibuko. “I also would like to urge the community to take ownership of these libraries and protect them against vandalism for the future of our children,” she continued.
The department aims to inculcate a culture of lifelong reading and learning in Gauteng citizens. It aims to give them access to information and technological resources as well as training programmes and activities.
“Read these books. Your slogan should be: ‘Born to read’. Read for pleasure, read for fun and read to get information. When a library is open – no matter how big or small the size and shape – democracy is also opened,” said MEC Mazibuko.
Gauteng library services are responsible for developing and providing the policy and operational framework for libraries and archival services in the province, which provide support to the municipalities who are responsible for the operation of libraries.
*Issued by the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
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