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SOUTH AFRICAN LIBRARY
WEEK CELEBRATED
The theme for South African Library Week 2014, celebrated from 17-22
March, was Celebrating libraries
in 20 years of democracy: check in @ your library.
In 2014 South Africa celebrates 20 years of democracy and this theme
focuses our attention on the following aspects regarding libraries:
• Celebrating the role of libraries in strengthening South African
democracy;
• Highlighting how libraries are making the right to freedom of access
to information, as enshrined in the Bill of Rights, a reality;
• Enhancing nation building and community development by opening the
doors of learning to all;
• Showcasing libraries as desired spaces for connecting people to each
other, advancing literacy, providing access to global knowledge,
fostering a desire for lifelong learning and contributing towards the
development of an informed society.
This theme also speaks to social media
such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, which are widely used by
libraries globally for marketing, communication with various user groups
and outreach. South African libraries are no different! The theme
provides us with an opportunity to reach out to those who are unaware of
how libraries have embraced technology to enhance access and learning.
Furthermore, the “Librarians' Choice of Top 20 South African Books” has
been launched during Library Week. In celebrating this theme, library
workers across South Africa have been requested to identify the top
twenty South African books published during these last 20 years that reflect
South African life by South Africans; focus on issues of democracy or
contribute to the consolidation of our democracy; that examine who we
are and where we are heading as a nation. Check in at your Library and
get hold of one of the recommended books! See the list of books
here.
For more information on how Stellenbosch University Library and
Information Service celebrated Library Week, please click
here.
Ina Smith
Resource:
McKenzie, S. 2013. The smuggled
Shakespeare book that inspired Nelson Mandela,
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/06/world/the-smuggled-shakespeare-book/
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Terug na Inhoudsopgawe
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Our former and late president Nelson Mandela once
said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change
the world.” According to McKenzie (2013) Nelson Mandela found
inspiration to continue his long struggle for freedom in the musings of
another great thinker – the “Complete Works of Shakespeare” disguised in
Diwali cards. This historic text became a source of strength for Mandela
and his fellow inmates during their darkest days.
“Celebrating
libraries in 20 years of democracy: check in @ your library”
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