In a country where poverty levels are on the rise, libraries continue to play an essential role in creating well-informed communities.
This was according to Nazeem Hardy, president of the Library and Information Association of South Africa, at a virtual discussion chaired by Sandton Library’s Mseni Thembani on April 23 to commemorate World Book and Copyright Day.
World Book and Copyright Day (April 24) is observed by the City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services through the implementation of programs and discussions to encourage both young and old residents to discover the world of reading.
Created by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) in 1995, the annual day has transformed into a worldwide celebration of books and reading.
Hardy added that libraries make books, non-fiction, fiction and academic, accessible to everyone in the community regardless of who they are.
“There are positives to getting physical books in the hands of children and I think that is where public libraries play such a crucial role. It is why we need more public libraries and it is why the libraries that we do have should be protected,” he said.
“The library is the one place that anyone can go to, anyone, regardless of their race, language or background, can visits the library, get a library card and take out books.”
Hardy called on key stakeholders, such as government, to not only help make libraries more accessible to in communities, but to make books more affordable and accessible.
Interested in visiting your local library? We have two in Sandton:
- Sandton Library, located in Nelson Mandela Square, is open from 09:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday
- Bryanston Library, located on the corner of New and Payne roads, is open from 09:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday.
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