On Friday, 15 March, the City of Cape Town will kick off South African Library Week (SALW) with a march through the City centre under the theme ‘Libraries foster social cohesion’.
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‘Our libraries provide access to information and engage communities on several platforms,’ says Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayco member for Community Services and Health.
‘We provide the tools for communication and learning, which includes making material accessible and available to all our patrons. During Fine Free Week, our patrons have the opportunity to play their part and return outstanding material so we can share the wealth of knowledge and enjoyment.’
SALW coincides with Fine Free Week, which spans from 18 to 23 March. During this time, patrons can return outstanding items without paying any fines.
As per the City, there was a slight decline in the number and value of outstanding items from libraries in the City. There are currently 35 411 items valued at R3.9 million in outstanding fines, compared to 39 000 valued at R4.6 million last year.
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series remains the most popular outstanding item at City libraries.
‘While we are enthused by the drop in the number of items that are outstanding, the fact that material worth nearly R4 million is still unaccounted for, remains a bitter pill to swallow,’ says Van der Ross.
‘Our libraries have limited budgets, and so are not always able to replace items. So, I want to encourage our patrons to return outstanding items as it will give others a fair opportunity to enjoy them, and ease the load on our library collection.’
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Throughout the week, several City libraries will celebrate SALW with targeted events. The Central, Wynberg, Langa, Harare and Pinelands libraries will also participate in the literary programme of the Open Book Festival:
Details:
Red Wheelbarrow Poetry Workshop | Grades 10 to 12 welcome
- Times: 13 and 14 March | 3:30pm to 5pm
- Location: Pinelands Library, Astron Energy Howard Centre, Sheldon Way, Pinelands
- Contact: 021 814 1780
Storytime with Lebohang Masango
- Times: 14 March | 11am to 12pm
- Location: Langa Library, Corner of Mendi and Moffat Street, Langa
- Contact: 021 400 1578
Illustration workshop by acclaimed illustrator, Clyde Beech focusing on character development. Participants must be available for both sessions. Grade 10 to 12 learners are welcome.
- Times: 14 March, 3:30pm to 5pm | 16 March, 10am to 12pm
- Location: Langa Library, Corner of Mendi and Moffat Street,Langa
- Contact: 021 400 1578
Join acclaimed storyteller and illustrator Alex Latimer and co-author Diane Awerbuck
- Times: 15 March | 11am to 12pm
- Location: Pinelands Library, Astron Energy Howard Centre, Sheldon Way, Pinelands
- Contact: 021 814 1780
Event: Nal’ibali storytime
- Times: 16 March | 11am to 12pm
- Location: Harare Library, 5 Phata Close, Harare
- Contact: 021 444 0280
Storytime at Central Library
- Times: 18 March | 11am to 12pm
- Location: Central Library in four different areas, 1 Parade St, Cape Town City Centre
- Contact: 021 444 0209
How to write a children’s book with Thabiso Mahlape, founder of Blackbird Books. Open to adults.
- Times: 19 March | 2pm to 4pm
- Location: Wynberg Library, Glaren Road, Wynberg
- Contact: 021 814 1495
To book your spot, enquire at the relevant library.
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Picture: City of Cape Town