IOL LIASA 2023 digimag

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South African Library Week highlights the value and impact of libraries

South African Library Week is the biggest annual event on the library calendar. It is an event which highlights the value of and celebrates the impact of libraries on the communities that they serve. the Week is celebrated every year during the week of March 20, a significant day in the history of libraries in South Africa. this year’s Library Week is being celebrated from March 20 to 26, 2023 with the theme “Libraries - telling powerful stories”. Libraries are synonymous with books, the art of storytelling, and the preservation of stories and while many things have changed in the world of libraries, these facts remain fundamental to the identity of this venerable institution.

Libraries in the modern world have, however, evolved to include many other roles beyond the traditional one of days gone by, and at their core are providing services and programmes that are needed and relevant to the communities that they serve, be it an academic, public or school community. While books and stories remain central to libraries, it is often the stories that people tell about libraries that speak to their longevity in a world that has often written off libraries as irrelevant and where we can seemingly Google anything and everything. We see the decimation of libraries in the uK, for example, the attacks on libraries and librarians in the uS and on our own shores, the criminal underfunding of these institutions. It is, however, at these moments of crisis that we see people coming to the fore to defend libraries, speak of their importance and relevance in society and laud the impact of libraries on

their own lives as well as the broader communities that they serve. Libraries play an important role in all facets of society, as can be seen in reports on the contributions made to the Sustainable Development Goals. Every day libraries create, facilitate and contribute to the needs of their users and it is in this way that they continue to be a driving force for development in society.

No library is however complete without the library staff that makes this enduring institution more than just the structure that houses all the materials and tools that foster its users’ road to success. Librarians are the backbone

of libraries, the ones who show up every day and commit to creating a better future for all who enter the doors of the library.

As we gear up to celebrate South African Library Week, let’s tell, preserve and promote the stories of impact that the library has had on us and our communities, ensuring that decision makers know the value of the library and continue to fund and support these most democratic of institutions.

Nazeem Hardy PL(SA) LIASA President (2021-23)

About LIASA

LIASA is a professional organisation that strives to unite, develop and empower all institutions and people in the library and information services field to provide dynamic leadership in transforming, developing and sustaining library and information services (LIS) for all people in South Africa.

the Association actively advocates and supports the provision of efficient, user-oriented and excellent library and information services, and aspires to provide all communities (literate and illiterate) in South Africa with equitable access to information. to this end, the Association represents the interests of, and seeks to promote the welfare and development of library and information workers and agencies.

LIASA also represents the interests of and promotes the development and image of the library and information profession in South Africa - at local, provincial and national level to learners, the general public, government, and other agencies. Furthermore, LIASA represents the South African LIS sector at an international level.

South Africa’s transition to a democracy has brought with it its own set of challenges including that of access to information; an essential pillar in upholding a democracy. the country and its citizens are reliant on every possible institution to contribute to the growth of its democracy. the growth and sustainability of a democracy is dependent on equitable access to

information and knowledge, which is the core business of the library and information sector. LIASA, representing the interests of the library and information sector, is one of those institutions that must be tagged as a significant contributor to the growth and development of South Africa.

Professional associations and societies are influential organisations representing the voice of the professional community in addressing issues relating to their welfare, status, working conditions, physical facilities, education and training, and research and development activities. the core purposes of associations have always been to serve the needs and to protect the interests of the community.

Let’s celebrate South African Library Week t

hE Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) – through its diverse membership – is driving the process to make South African Library Week a celebration of our country’s intellectual and literary heritage. Libraries across the country use this annual event as an opportunity to market their services to the users, the broader community, civil society and decision- makers.

South African Library Week (SALW) was initiated in 2001 by LIASA to be a commemorative period recognised by government. All types of libraries across the country use it as an opportunity to market their services in an effort to contribute to the understanding of the important role that libraries play in a democratic society, while advancing literacy and making the basic human right of freedom of access to information a reality – and not forgetting to promote tolerance and respect among all South Africans.

the choice of date was based on research into the history of libraries in South Africa.

the South African Public Library, now known as the National Library of South Africa (Cape town Campus), was the first library to be established in South Africa. this was done by a government proclamation on March 20, 1818. the South African library started off as a true public library and has established itself as a pioneering institution in South African library history. therefore, annually, SALW is celebrated during the week within which March 20 falls. Furthermore, we celebrate human

Rights Day on March 21 and South Africa’s Bill of Rights recognises the freedom of access to information as a basic human right. therefore, SALW is linked to an important historical event through a crucial date in our new

democracy.

South African Library Week was officially celebrated for the first time in 2002 and has become a very important date on the national calendar of commemorative days.

Libraries have a powerful story to tell S

outh African Library Week is a weeklong celebration when all types of libraries across the country use it as an opportunity to market their services in an effort to contribute to the understanding of the important role that libraries play in a democratic society, advancing literacy, making the basic human right of freedom of access to information a reality, and to promote tolerance and respect among all South Africans.

this year LIASA in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Sabinet is celebrating South African Library Week from March 20 to 26 with the theme “Libraries: telling powerful stories”. Furthermore, we celebrate human Rights Day on March 21 and our Bill of Rights recognises the freedom of access to information as a basic human right. We are therefore able to link an important historical event with a crucial date in our democracy; a date synonymous with powerful stories. humans have told stories for as long as we can remember. these stories are used to share news, amplify the accomplishments of heroes, and pass on cultural traditions, and transfer knowledge and history. Libraries have been central in collecting, preserving and sharing these stories. Stories make difficult information easier to understand. Stories can change the future for the better. this year, for South African Library Week, let us focus on telling those stories, but also focus on the achievements of libraries in South Africa over the years, as libraries transform to fit into the New World.

Libraries are currently facing many challenges including funding constraints, the provisioning of adequate and relevant materials, infrastructure problems, insufficient internet access and connectivity, inadequate disaster management and vandalism.

these challenges are not new and speak to the resilience of libraries. It is

human nature to highlight challenges more than achievements. But this year for South African Library Week, LIASA, in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Sabinet, will focus on what libraries are doing right, what libraries have achieved, telling the positive stories.

Libraries are the heart of a community; they provide not only access to books in all formats, but also a space for knowledge, access to information for all, and occasionally offer an escape from the harsh realities. We know that libraries are in the midst of a dramatic change.

technology has transformed how we find and use books, how we gather information, and how we learn. the fourth industrial revolution has shifted the landscape and how we tell these stories which have contributed to global knowledge, memory and communication.

Libraries in South Africa are transforming the stories that they share and how they share them. this includes the platforms that are used to tell these stories, whether they are recreational, educational,or historical. Despite the challenges that libraries are facing, libraries have persevered and continue to add to the good stories that they tell.

Librarians understand the power of storytelling more than most. A good story draws you in, shows you different ways to think, and touches your mind and heart and life. Yet, even when in the business of sharing stories, as libraries it is easy to forget the power of our own story—why we love working for the library and our communities, what our libraries have achieved, and what we have learned along the way.

these stories will help in highlighting the importance and the value of libraries to all. Let’s take ownership and use storytelling to communicate more effectively with our communities. Libraries have a powerful story to tell. You, me, each and every one of us have a powerful story to tell.

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Vertel stories

Telling

From the horse’s mouth:

Libraries telling powerful stories

thERE is no school project or assignment that can be completed without research. As a first-year student at the uFS South Campus in 2022, I was baffled by how to go about finding scholarly information as most of the academic journals/articles require a subscription. I then came to discover that if I browse through the uFS library website, all articles are free to access - assuming maybe the institution purchased them for students. the librarians did a tour to our respective residences for training on how to navigate through the library website, and of course, I did miss a lot of information until I joined the uFS Neville Alexander Library book club. the book club is designed to encourage the culture of reading; most of the time we read and reviewed fiction books. As book club members, we got a surprise puzzle competition to test how knowledgeable we are with the library resources. I found out I didn’t know much and ended up learning a lot. the book club does not only promote leisure reading but academics as well. I can now check from my phone whether the book I seek is available and where to find it before I can even enter the library space, and also renew the items I borrowed. I was sure I knew it all, I then got another surprise - the Academic Literacy best assignment awards, hosted and facilitated by the library. My competitive self was never going to miss that one, I then discovered that my referencing was not as top-notch as I would have wanted it to be. With

the help of my English facilitator, I got a chance to fix my mistakes and now my mother’s room divider is looking all cute, flaunting my best assignment award. Now there comes the best part - please do not side-eye me, okay? the book launch and a reading park. I remember the campus librarian fighting tooth and nail to get my first book landed, and making sure that the book launch was a success. I swear that was my wedding day. It’s the day I learned how to stand up in public and promote my book that shows the world its own shame. I got exposure, book sales and became an inspiration to other students. So, I’m a celeb now, but that’s not the point. Now that I was/is an author and an avid reader, my fellow book club members and I had to attend the LIASA Free State branch reading park launch event to

celebrate the reading culture, and to encourage the reading culture - not forgetting the emphasis on reading and writing in one’s home language. Imagine how I sleep at night knowing that I can pen the book in isiZulu and then rest while the university press edits and publishes it for me through the African Languages Press.

okay back to the reading park, I also got a chance to stand up and tell learners how the book club changed my life from being an ardent reader who got inspired by the beauty of literature to being a published author. “A reading nation is a leading nation.”

Nompilo Khayelihle Gumede - UFS student, author and library book club member.

How Krugersdorp Library helped shape my future

KNoWLEDGE is acquired through reading – and the ability to apply that knowledge to real life situations is wisdom. the library is the main source of all information that we need to enrich ourselves, so that we use it to turn our communities into a hospitable state. Knowledgeable people are capable of knowing the consequences of their actions before execution.

As a Krugersdorp Library member, the library has shaped my future and led me in the right direction. I was able to complete my B.Com. in financial management cum laude in record time. It also permitted me to successfully complete my B.Com. honours in financial management with a 72% overall grade.

Currently, I am undertaking my Master of Philosophy in financial management. how was it possible from a distance learning perspective? It was as a result of the supportive structures within the marvellous and resourceful Mogale City Local Municipality. I had no meaningful income to afford data or to buy the various prescribed books. however, with the presence of the Krugersdorp Library, this was made possible as all

prescribed textbooks were readily available on the library’s shelves – at no cost.

Furthermore, with uNISA being a distance learning university, a laptop or tablet is a pre-requisite for one to succeed. Krugersdorp Library is rich in technological equipment, free internet and is open to all registered library users at no cost. there are easy to

access e-journals that are important when undertaking research projects through SABINEt online. these resources helped me in undertaking my research project.

the nature of any given organisation is as good as its human resources, and the same applies to Krugersdorp Library. the reason for the library’s success is credit to the quality of its librarians, who are very professional. they patiently and passionately undertake their roles led by Dr Raduvha.

It does not matter which office you enter, the staff members are so attentive to helping in any given library matter and go out of their way to ensure that you get the best service. If this country as a whole can have the same quality of human resources as Krugersdorp Library, it would go far in terms of development.

Additionally, the library has state-ofthe-art ergonomic furniture which makes it conducive to studying and the air-conditioning system is wonderful. It is one of the factors that made me feel at home, as the environment is free of noise.

- Simbarashe Moyana

How have libraries impacted me as a library user?

Libraries are a student’s best friend and protector

Ihave been taking charge of my studies lately. After a not-so-progressive year, my faults forced me to see what I had been doing incorrectly, then sizing it all up for improvement. Listing my faults, I have realised there’s one that would’ve really impacted my academic year greatly – and that is not taking advantage of the library’s resources.

What is a library?

According to the New World Encyclopaedia, a library is a collection of information, sources, resources and services organised for use and maintained by a public body, an institution or a private individual.

However, let’s be honest. Is that all libraries are for?

To me a library is a home. When I think about a library, I picture a sanctuary for the leaders of the future. A server for every human. A safe space. A starting point to a knowledgeable nation. A heaven for those seekers of intelligence. What I love the most about the library is how much it is there for every need. You could literally have had a busy day, working all day long or studying your brains off; it is just a beautiful place to get those little things done. With resources ranging from various books, wi-fi, comfortable furniture, laptop places, computers and approachable staff – it is truly a space where everybody can get lost. Libraries are cool.

They offer cool breezes to just top off that study session, making one productive as a busy bee finding nectar. Not only do they offer books and space, but they also offer services such as printing, photocopies and computer usage for free. Now tell me that isn’t the new age cool of #savingthatbuck.

Meeting new people. Believe you me; it is always awesome to meet new people. It’s even better when you soon find that you share the same interests. I made new and interesting acquaintances within the library and among the library shelves when we were searching for the same subject.

Not only you in the library of dreams or with a book to read, but now a new friend to share new interests with.

The library has saved my life from all the social ills that a young woman may face

in her lifetime. Most of the services and programmes are free and educational. Membership is free, you can use study facilities, get assistance from courteous staff members and books are free to borrow. I needed a quiet space to write my online examination without disturbance, and the library was there for me which assisted me to pass with flying colours. We are grateful for the gift of libraries.

Queeneth Zukiswa Ndlovu

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Library facilities offer so much more than just the borrowing of books

MY name’s Kuhle, I’m 15 years old. I got my first library card at Plumstead Library when I was aged between seven to eight years. It’s very exciting to have my own library card. Before that I had been borrowing on my mother’s card. With my own card, I borrow more books.

I have loved and enjoyed reading for as long as I can remember. My mother tells me when she was pregnant she lived alone and didn’t have TV, she read more during that term and spoke to me a lot because health practitioners encouraged talking to children before birth. On her train ride to/from work she’d read a book. At the time, she was also completing her ECD Diploma and her courses encouraged reading for children, as soon as pregnancy starts, for speech and sound development. Since I was born, there have been lots of books in our house, and we have been passionate library users for as long as I can remember. After getting my library card, I have read every book I was allowed to take out, some twice and even thrice. My mom and I’d go to the library almost every day. Sometimes she’d need to run errands and so I’d ask to stay there until she was back. I became a very familiar face at Plumstead library.

I realised that the library has more for me than books to explore. I entered annual reading challenges and reading competitions and, as a result, I have won a lot of stationery and books. I knew about all library raffles and fundraising events. I would do my homework in the library, or at least pretend to, just to get a moment to read a book my mom would not let me borrow because I was “too young”. In 2018 I visited Wynberg Library for the first time and was fascinated by the size of it, plus

the extensive collection of their books. I love to explore new books, it feeds my imagination. I’d love to visit Cape Town City library one day, my mom tells me it’s even bigger than Wynberg Library.

I’ve always dreamed of becoming a librarian – librarians are always kind, calm and open to helping with a smile.

In August 2022 I started volunteering at Plumstead Library on Saturdays, where I get mentored to co-facilitate a teen club. Our

teen club is growing monthly and we get to do fun, educational and bookish games and activities. We also raise awareness on social conscious subjects.

I have met so many people and made friends at the library.

I get a wonderful feeling and it’s a great experience to be part of such a powerful community.

- Kuhle, Library user

How the library changed my life

IN January 1986, I walked into a library for the first time at tsogo high School in Mmakau. I was captured by the neatly polished floors and rows of books - but most of all, it was the smell of books that captivated me. I was so much in awe that at the end of the library period, I did not want to go back to class. Instead, I asked to spend the rest of the afternoon in the library. I was beside myself when the friendly lady told me that I could take one book home and bring it back after a week. that was the beginning of my academic journeyand I have never looked back.

the library has always been a place of refuge for me. the smell of books and rows of shelves has always had a comforting feeling for me. the library is like my second home; it is a place where I find solace and into which I can escape – a world of books. through the library, in my mind I have traversed the world, I have conquered many battles, I have learned about other cultures - but most of all, I have acquired knowledge.

I have been with the National School of Government (NSG) for the past

12 years, and throughout this time the library has been my go-to place. through the library, I have been able

five long years. Being in a training institution means that I need to do constant research, and the library is my first stop to source information. the library even has access to other websites that as an individual I do not have access to. the librarians always go the extra mile to source books or articles from other libraries, if what I am looking for is not available in the NSG library. through the library, my work becomes easier and more meaningful. throughout the years, I have been able to achieve a number of milestones in my life through the assistance that I got from the library. Being an avid reader, I have always had a dream of writing my own book one day. I managed to realise that dream in January 2022 when my biography, titled: Me, Myself and my journey to the Red Gown was published. I give my gratitude to the library - and most of all, to the friendly librarians who are always willing to assist with a smile.

to complete my doctoral degree. It was not an easy journey, but through the support I got from the librarians, I was able to complete the degree after

Viva to all librarians, and may you continue to shine. Aluta continua.

- Dr Izimangaliso Malatjie

The worth of libraries ‘cannot be measured in books alone’

thE library has been my refuge for many years. From the tiny and cosy one in high school to the large and beautiful one at the university of Pretoria, where I spend most of my free time.

the library has changed my life in many ways, which I cannot fully comprehend, but more especially by sparking an interest in reading books. Reading has expanded my knowledge and vocabulary, and has elevated my imagination.

I love the library because it gives me a chance to read many of the books I could not afford because of financial limitations. It satisfies my craving to read books without actually spending money. the library not only offers my fellow students and me so many services, but it is a calming environment to be in.

the librarians are all such wonderful people, who provide a wealth of knowledge. they are research wizards when it comes to finding e-resources, books and articles. A library is a silent place that allows me to think and escape reality. It is a place with good energy because somehow I work

harder in the library than anywhere else and get my assignments and work done.

I recently followed my university’s

library social media pages, and that has been nothing short of a good experience. these pages not only share the services the library has to offer daily, but also share fun and comedic content that we library lovers can relate to. My favourite series from the library page includes the “use your library” posts, which show me how to access books and other services, and the “library meme” posts, which are hilarious and showcase library humour. the library has taught me that it’s not just about books; it’s also a place to be vulnerable. From the friendly librarian who makes an effort to get to know you and your book preferences, to the people you meet and the friendships formed with people who share a love and appreciation for books. I have always known libraries are vital, but now I understand that their worth cannot be measured in books alone. In the great words of henri Frederic Amiel, “Everything you need for better future and success has already been written. And guess what? All you have to do is go to the library.”

- Muthambi Manaka

Librarians - the people behind the success of a university

IAM a qualified veterinarian from the onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty of the university of Pretoria (uP).

I recently (March 2020) entered academia as a new lecturer at the same faculty I qualified from 10 years ago. Part of my role involves furthering research (I am currently completing my MSc). As a new academic, I was quickly humbled. the environment is daunting and challenging, with much to learn in a very short space of time - and one cannot navigate the waters without support.

I had to make the adjustment to this new career path during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and lock-down protocols, which meant no access to the campus, which increased my anxiety levels. I would not have coped through the new transition without the amazing library staff at Jotello F Soga library at the onderstepoort campus.

During the lock-down, I was required to start my protocol for my MSc research project. As such, I had to search for articles on the uP library online platform, and the library staff were so helpful in showing me how to do so via online support. Maria Mtsweni, specifically, went the extra mile to track down and request articles that were not readily available and which required inter-lending requests to be submitted to get.

the Veterinary Science Library’s turn-

around time was within a day, and the service I experienced was always very pleasant and helpful.

I am so glad that I now am able to meet her face-to-face and see that she is just as kind and pleasant in person. She and her team brighten my day when I visit them, and always make my seemingly big research problems

small with their skill and knowledge of the system. they are really the people behind the scenes helping our researchers to make ours a top research faculty (and university). I am eternally grateful to them for all that they do for us.

- Dr Chiraag Simao

Libraries will always remain a special place

LIBRARIES have been a part of my life since I first learnt how to read. Growing up on a farm, I found the outdoors to be my reality, complete with a scorching sun and endless horizons, and books were the escape to an even more magical, imaginary world. our local community library in the small Karoo town was a treasure trove of new ideas, characters, and places. My two younger sisters and I visited the library at least every second week, by which time we would have read the three books we were each allowed as well as each other’s – true bookworms in the making.

During high school we attended boarding school approximately 500 km from home,reducing library visits to holiday periods. the school library provided limited reading material but gave exposure to different genres which also included a wider variety of English books.

university changed the way I view libraries. It suddenly became a place of quiet refuge, away from the hustle and bustle that was the rest of campus. It is synonymous with group projects in small, soundproof study rooms or study sessions in “silent” areas.

It is a place filled with technology to enable students to produce work of a high standard even if they do not

hard copy textbooks are for most students a welcome novelty in the new world of everything being strictly online. I often find myself feeling foolishly excited when being able to page through a book even if I do this while making summaries and notes on my laptop. Do not get me wrong – it is very convenient to have e-books at the tips of your fingers and not having to leave the comfort of your home or room to go look for the desired textbook. however, the library still plays a pivotal role in this, as our access to academic e-books are hosted by the library website.

Recently my university’s library got additional significance in my life by offering me an employment opportunity. this helps significantly in enabling me to work towards another tertiary qualification while having bills to pay.

readily have access to computers. Libraries at tertiary institutions offer students the opportunity to work from a hard copy textbook which for most of us is just unaffordable since buying all our study material is another couple of thousand rand per annum on top of tuition fees.

Libraries remain a special place and perhaps even more so in our modern, rushed society. All though the interior and facilities may change – a quiet place to study or take a breather combined with a warm smile from the lady behind the information desk will always be something any student can appreciate.

- Marita Rabe

The library changed my life for the better

WhEN I first started at CPut the library seemed like a place that was only for the intellectually advanced and I never thought that it would be as instrumental in my life as a university student.

I remember being given a communications assignment in my first year. the assignment was on either health in the workplace or safety in the workplace. I chose health in the workplace. We received information literacy training from Ms Davids, whereby she showed us how to use the online library. In hindsight, it was the best lecture I attended in terms of all future assignments.

the online library offered features that were so specific; we could choose if we only wanted to look at databases, journals, books, or articles. It was amazing that I could choose a date range that would keep my assignment relevant to the current times and also compare it to times before.

It provided a wide variety of options, and you had the choice to narrow

it down to the year, author, and especially the title of a specific book or journal. the online library saved my life with this assignment as the weighting of the assignment contributed 25% to my year end mark. For the specific requirements of all my assignments, the library is the source of all my information. online, the

digital platform showed if the books I needed were available in the library, which library I could find it in and where the book could be found in that specific library.

After establishing the locations of the books, I went into the District Six campus library and was able to find the books that I needed. I saw that they were in fact there and that they were available. I like the fact that I could take the books out for a week which gave me enough time to do my research.

the library has made my life easier to access information and data. It provides me with a platform to compare notes from different books and to illustrate its relevance. this proves its necessity in my life as a student. the library has made it possible for me to access physical books anytime I need them.

I love that I can touch an actual book as it is a reminder that books are a source of power and knowledge.

- Arlene Nazo

Free library facilities make ‘research much easier’

IAM a second-year business and information administration student. Since the Covid-19 lockdown, we have barely been on campus – but luckily the digital library was accessible from anywhere. What makes me especially grateful for the university library is that the resources are free for us to use. I don’t have to pay for reading and using their space. If I need a place to study, there is an even quieter room to study with no distractions. If I need a place where I want to get work done in groups, there is a conference room where I can spend my time with no extra costs. Whenever we were given something to read, I was able to go into the CPut library website and most likely find it there, if it was searched correctly. the digital library was easy to navigate and helped me tremendously with my studies. the different databases helped me differently, as they all had different purposes. I was able to comfortably get used to being a university student because at high

school, I barely used online libraries. In the library, I am able to get electronic copies of certain things that would have taken me a very long time. For example, using the database “PressReader” I am able to get free

copies of newspapers and magazines from anywhere in the world. It makes research much easier and is convenient, especially if I need it as soon as possible.

this year, I started using the physical library on campus. I had the opportunity to borrow at least one book, which was really great. It was similar to a public library yet different since we did it with our student cards instead of a library card. I really liked the convenience of being able to use our student cards for everything there. to enter the library, we needed to present our student cards so they could verify identification. We needed it to borrow books as well. What really impressed me was being able to upload cash on to the card and use it to print. It makes it so much more convenient to do projects and hand them in to my lecturers. there is no delay unless the actual printer has issues.

- Kulthoom Fortune

‘A safe space when the outside world gets too loud’

DuRING 2022, our academic year at CPut was conducted online. We were not exposed to the physical library most of the time and had to use the online library which is equipped with everything we need and has everything in one place, but the feel of a physical library was not there. While the online library is very helpful and efficient, I was curious as to how the library at campus would be. At times we would have group assignments and always agreed to meet at the library. times like these were exciting because the library was a place where

we could actually see each other as the assignment was an excuse to come to campus. the library is a place of connectivity and had a sense of “home”, making you feel comfortable while working. the seating arrangements, especially, created togetherness and information was on hand.

on a particular day, we decided to use the seminar rooms which were very accommodating for our presentations and everything went well, until a few days later when I received an email stating that we did not return the seminar room key, which confused

me because my group and I did exactly that. After getting a few emails which caused me much anxiety, I eventually went to the library and asked for assistance. I was met with a friendly face and someone helpful who apologised on behalf of the library; it was a mistake and not to worry. to most this may seem like a negative experience, but really this has changed my life knowing I can always ask for assistance and the library serves as a safe space when the outside world gets too loud.

- Zaakiyah Florence

‘The library - my crutch’

thE library should not be forgotten as it has been the cornerstone in the success of my life thus far. I have been using all the services since the day I started at CPut. I have always loved reading and the CPut library has provided me with a place to do so. the first two years of my university life were online due to there being strict lockdown rules. however, my textbooks and even reading material that I enjoyed were made available online for me. the option to do things online and get access to information at the tips of my fingers weren’t foreign to me, however, I appreciated it more due to it helping my studies in more ways than I could count.

the library had provided the textbooks I needed for a short period of time and sometimes even for extended periods

of time; this helped me study through weekends and even holidays too. the Digital library helped not only me but previous students as well; it made it easier for us to stay indoors instead of leaving our homes to go and buy textbooks.

the library in its entirety made me truly understand the importance of a library, especially the one at CPut; I have a newfound love for the library not only because it helped me through my

schooling career. this year is the first year where I am truly back on campus and being able to borrow books from the library helps me and others in many ways. I mainly use the library for its facilities such as the quiet study rooms and just the mellow and non-distracting environment. however, knowing that the convenience of the library is there as an option is comforting as I do use it when it is necessary, and even sometimes when I feel I can be a little unnecessary.

the library has been good to me and it has been the crutch I lean on; it helped me walk through the life of a student. Don’t let the library die out because we need it more than we think; many would agree with me.

- Moegamat Yusuf Morris

‘Libraries draw you into a world of characters and eras beyond the ordinary’

AS the creator of the show Mark My Words, I have the amazing pleasure as an author to visit libraries wherever I go.

Not too many people think about it, but words form part of our lives every single day, wherever and whenever. Whether we speak, hear or read it somewhere – it’s there.

I have had the privilege to write some books and the startling fact is that my life story will be caught up in the pages of a book in a library for far longer than I will be around. this is the case for so many authors as well. their stories have been immortalised for generations to come and for anyone to read, at any point in time. Imagine if libraries had voices; imagine the sound of the millions and millions of stories spoken out loud. We literally would be transported to worlds unheard of. Besides the fact that libraries have the most calming and tranquilising effects on a person’s state of mind and emotions, it also has the ability to speak an unspoken language that draws you into a world of characters and eras beyond the ordinary life.

I have even had the privilege of filming my master of words competition in libraries. We intentionally chose to do so in order for us to rekindle the love of books and writing, and the general love and passion for libraries. having contestants enter a library to audition for the show, gives us an opportunity to remind them of the enormous value of the millions of stories captured in

books.

they are reminded that they are in the presence of words, pictures and stories of people who poured out their heart on to pages which eventually became books. As for myself, there is nearly nothing that could replace that feeling I had when the cameras first went on to film in the Africana Library in Kimberley.

My dream had finally taken shape. the life I had lived and wrote about had finally become something I could now capture on film and in a library. how does one explain creating something

like Mark My Words and have it come to life in a place filled with billions of words?

therefore, whether we prefer staying in the current era or journey into the ancient worlds of Egypt, Africa or the Ming Dynasty of China – a library will provide us the access to these worlds, its people and their stories. With the turn of every page, we are likely to be introduced to places we have never been to and people we have never met – all in a library

– Mark from Mark My Words

A story of a life of reading

MY first encounter with a municipal library was when I was a child in junior primary school. My mom and dad would pop us boys in the car and go to the library in Westville. there was a wide selection of picture books for me to read. It was a precious time being read to by mother or father at home before bed.

I developed the skill of reading through listening to my parents tell me stories, and through the gradual reading of junior fiction books at junior primary school.

For two years, I was overseas in England for schooling and came back to continue my schooling in Pinetown. My reading skills developed further in senior primary school, and I began reading independently of school. I gained enjoyment from the Enid Blyton Famous Five and Secret Seven, and I enjoyed the nature adventure stories of Willard Price. I also enjoyed the hardy Boy stories of Franklin Dixon. My favourite comic books were the Asterix series of wonderful cartoon stories.

We moved to the Drakensberg and I boarded at a high school in the Midlands. I always enjoyed the school library, and my English lessons were exciting with amazing novels, plays and poetry. then it was back to Durban, and at high school I enjoyed

going to the library and doing my book reviews as I read new books. I enjoyed Alistair Maclean’s writing. English was interesting with plays, poems and novels - and I improved my Afrikaans reading, as it is my second language. Reading is essential to succeeding in life. My reading ability became better throughout school, and I then went to university to read and study academic works. u niversity libraries became my second source of gaining knowledge of the courses I studied.

As I made my way through my career life at work, libraries maintained their fascination for me. Now I find joy reading e-books, with hundreds of e-books on my phone.

Libraries must not be neglected as an important service to the public, because they are essential on every person’s journey through reading - whether they be municipal public libraries, school libraries or university libraries.

- Chris Sparks

eThekwini Municipality Mobile Library has fulfilled my dreams

It has not been a long time since I knew ethekwini Municipal Mobile Library, but if I could write about the help I received there, it would fill a book. My gratitude is endless for the help, support and love I have and still am receiving.

Firstly, the librarians explained and advised us about the importance of applying early to higher institutions. then they helped me with choosing courses that are on the career path I chose.

they helped all the Grade 12 learners from thabela high with online applications to different higher institutions. I applied through CAo because I only wanted to study at uKZN but unfortunately, I had difficulties and I couldn’t get in for the 2022 class, but I would like to mention the many efforts made by library staff, trying to help me even after working hours.

In the middle of 2022, I was contacted and asked if I had applied for the 2023 academic year. they

am studying at Fort hare university doing my first year Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science. I am staying in a university residence which I didn’t even know where to begin in terms of applying for it.

helped me re-apply to different universities and for financial assistance as well; the library staff did the follow ups for me. this year I

What I can say is that the ethekwini Municipal Mobile library staff has helped me a lot and I cannot thank them enough. Even now they continue to give support and check up on me as I’m still new in the province and in a new environment away from my family. Librarians are not just information workers but Jacks of all trades and masters of everything. the service delivery and assistance are free of charge and I will be indebted to them forever.

Abongile Mese from Thabela High –KwaNyusa Rural Area- Durban

My experience with eThekwini Municipality Mobile Library

It is said that being patient conquers all, but my experience of patience is bitter; the waiting for someone else’s success is too much. however, there are people out there who are ready to put aside all their personal burdens and allow you to be their burden until you make it. People tend to criticise librarians as being incompetent and not being helpful, especially when applying to an institution, as well as NSFAS funding. From my experience, I think people who work in libraries are the most accommodating and supportive people I have ever met. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have gotten into any institution or received funding.

When I was doing my matric, I did not know how to even start an online application, but someone from ethekwini Municipal Mobile Library Services assisted me, starting with the online application, as well as helping me apply for funding. She didn’t even criticise or ask why I do not know about applying online, but helped and invested her time in my struggles. Not only did she apply for me at one university, but at various universities. She then applied for funding. She would help me choose career paths and explain everything about the courses offered. She did not stop there; she would even explain the jobs or occupations I could get into by doing the course I had applied for.

If I were to say she wasn’t competent it would be a lie; and saying she was helpful is just an understatement. After applying to the institution and for funding, she always updated me about my status and even created an email address for me. She would constantly

one to choose. Never did she throw me under the bus, but helped me choose. I obtained funding and she helped me to register for the course. After that I thought we were done and she could attend to her personal life, but this one was heaven sent.

I had to apply for accommodation. Instead of letting me apply by myself, she again helped and even called the university because we were not able to apply for residence online. Don’t forget that she is just an assistant librarian, a person who is said to be very rude. how can someone who is incompetent and rude be there for someone she hardly even knows to the very end?

I guess people can never be satisfied with anything you do. From my first year, she would check on me and encourage me to study hard. Even now she still checks up on me from time to time, encouraging me to study even harder because I’m in my third year which is the final year. I’m about to get my Medical health Science degree from Walter Sisulu university and she’s still as invested in me as she was in the beginning.

I always recommend ethekwini Municipal Mobile Library Services to people who have just finished matric for its wealth of worthwhile workers.

check my mails and give me updates. I got accepted at four different universities and I didn’t know which

Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Medical Science Student, Ladismith

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SALB and Khunwana Library break access barriers for the blind

PABALLo Monageng is a 31-year-old blind person from Khunwana village. through the marketing of library services, in association with the South African Library for the Blind (SALB), he was identified as someone who could benefit from the services available.

Monageng became blind in 2017, due to an accident. he then started accessing library services at his local library in Khunwana, where he was assisted by Lesley Moriana, Khunwana community librarian, and Lebogang oliphant, SALB project co-ordinator. through this initiative, Monageng managed to get training in Braille Level 1 (Introduction in Braille), which will enable him to read and write in Braille. he also has access to library services in his community through the mini–library section in Khunwana Community Library.

the next training he will receive will be Braille Level 2. this will be followed by computer training, which will open doors for Monageng to pursue his dream of becoming a professional teacher.

Monageng believes that access to libraries and mini-library services will enable blind and visually impaired people to prosper towards building a sustainable future for all.

he also thanked the Khunwana Community Library and SALB for breaking the barriers that prevent blind, visually impaired and printdisabled readers from accessing information; and for developing the lives of community members through hard work, perseverance, determination and dedication.

Paballo Monageng - Khunwana Public Library user, North West Province