National Library Week is being celebrated from March 11 to 21.
As part of celebrating the week, the City of Joburg Library and Information Services has declared March 11 to 31 a fine-free period.
“If you have been avoiding the library like the plague because of overdue books that now carry a hefty fine, stress no more. There will be no fines paid and no questions asked. Upon the return of your long-overdue books, your membership can also be reinstated at your request,” said Nobuntu Mpendulo, the City’s director of library and information services.
Ms Mpendulo said the City has a network of 187 libraries and their sole mandate is to “develop an informed and educated nation” because a “reading nation is a winning nation”.
“This is an amnesty period for all Joburg residents who have ‘forgotten’ to return library books in time. The City is saying we should let bygones be bygones as we wipe the slate clean and start fresh. So all that needs to happen is for residents to bring back what belongs to the City and all will be forgiven,” said Ms Mpendulo.
Every year in March librarians across the country host special programmes to highlight services and resources provided by libraries.
During this year’s Library Week celebrations, the City will host 160 crèches in all the regions to promote the ‘Ready to Read’ programme.
“The City aims to create a reading nation and the 20-day amnesty is to encourage more people to visit libraries,” said Ms Mpendulo.
She said although reading should start at home, hosting crèches get the children ready to read so that when they go to school they’re able to cope with the new pressures.
Library Week was first celebrated in May 1998 by the South African Institute of Library and Information Services to promote a culture of reading.
In 2003 the week was moved to March.
“Being able to read is the most basic survival city skill. Librarians know how to get children hooked on books, and storytelling sessions take place daily. Most public libraries offer preschool story-hour programmes.
“Learning to use technology to access information is crucial. Although many people don’t own a personal computer, no parent is too poor to give his or her child the key to technology – a library card. Libraries provide a great alternative to video games and television,” said Ms Mpendulo.
This year the theme is #libraries4lifelonglearning and it presents a more holistic view of learning by recognising that this occurs in diverse environments.
Lifelong learning is seen as episodic and progressive training within the framework of the formal education system.
