13 March 2007
Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Whitey Jacobs, today
launched in Cape Town the provincial leg of the National Library Week. The
launch was attended by librarians representing various libraries within the
metropolitan area, academics and the leadership of the Librarians Association
of South Africa.
The theme for this year's Library Week is "Your Stars Says Read" in terms of
which well-known South African celebrities and role models will be featured in
the promotional material to inspire the youth to read.
Delivering his keynote address at the function Mr Jacobs said, "We must use
the Library Week to reflect on the sterling work of librarians over the years
under very difficult conditions. The serious challenges of understaffing in
various libraries especially in the metro have not adversely affected service
delivery because of their dedication to service our communities. When we launch
this important annual event, we must acknowledge and show appreciation to the
sacrifices the librarians have had to endure to ensure that this critical
service to communities is not compromised in anyway. We have noted with great
appreciation the resolution of the International Federation of Librarians to
have their conference in Durban, South Africa in August this year. We look
forward to rigorous debate that would contribute to this country improving in
this field.
"I am calling on all communities to support the programmes of various
libraries aimed at popularising the services of and benefits of libraries in
the community," he said.
The National Library Week will commence on 19 to 24 March 2007.
For further enquiries please contact:
Mandla Yeki
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: (021) 483 9804
Cell: 079 511 2087
Issued by: Department of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation, Western
Cape Provincial Government
13 March 2007
