Authors and aspirant writers gathered to discuss how to remain relevant in the times of artificial intelligence and ways to improve digital platforms.
This was during a workshop supported by the City of Ekurhuleni’s library services held at Alberton Civic Centre on June 18.
Zukiswa Peters, manager of the city’s library services, stressed the importance of libraries in communities.
She emphasised that libraries remain a cornerstone of community development and a safe haven for authors and budding writers even in the time of online publication platforms.
“The era of digital platforms is upon us and while it makes things easier for some to access reading material online, it is deterring others to access books due to the inaccessibility of data to many. We encourage authors and budding writers to formulate community-based book clubs to instil the culture of reading and buying books,” Peters said.
She also encouraged authors to continue writing books in indigenous languages to be able to reach wider audiences.
On the day, several authors who were in attendance also managed to sell hard copies of their latest offering to fellow readers and writers.
