Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, MP, in partnership with the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) invite members of the media to the official opening of the 16th Annual LIASA Conference. The event will take place on Tuesday, 23 September 2014 at Birchwood Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
The 2014 LIASA Conference will be hosted under the theme “Celebrating Libraries in 20 years of democracy: continuing the dialogue.” The conference aims to discuss and share insight on the role of libraries.
Approximately 500 national and international library and information practitioners are expected to attend the conference. These delegates will amongst others discuss the following key issues: a culture of reading, early childhood development, youth empowerment, socio-economic development and e-governance thereby locating them in the heart of communities.
There are over 1 900 public libraries, 23 higher education academic libraries, 50 public FET libraries and 2500 public school libraries in South Africa. Libraries are emerging as strong community partners for development, nation building and social cohesion, thus contributing to well-informed society.
The LIASA conference is preceded by the 5th annual National Book Week, a nation-wide reading campaign which also aimed at promoting a reading culture.
LIASA, and the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) are committed to highlighting the role of libraries in providing free access to information and to develop a reading nation. The conference is a culmination of Heritage Month which is celebrated under the theme: “Celebrating 20 Years of Democracy: Tell your story that moves South Africa Forward!
The 2014 LIASA conference will take place from 22 to 26 September 2014 as part of Heritage Month.
The official opening of the conference is as follows:
Date: 23 September 2014
Time: 10h00 to 12h00
Venue: Birchwood Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng
RSVP: Madimetjam@dac.gov.za: 012 441 3737 or 072 842 6594
Enquiries:
Peter Mbelengwa
Spokesperson for the Deputy Minister
Cell: 082 611 8197
E-mail: petermb@dac.gov.za
Teresa Magidela
Cell: 072 222 3169
