SA Library Week launched at Melton Rose Library | Western Cape Government

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SA Library Week launched at Melton Rose Library

22 March 2017

On 20 March 2017 the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais launched the 2017 South African Library Week in the Western Cape at the Melton Rose Library in Eerste River.

The Library Service of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) partnered with the City of Cape Town and took ownership of the 2017 theme “My Library, your library” at the launch.

Minister Marais, Alderman JP Smith, Mayco member for Social Services and Safety of the City of Cape Town, representatives of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), and other key stakeholders were welcomed by the soothing sounds of the acclaimed Delft Big Band in the peaceful atmosphere of the colourful Library. Learners of Helderkruin Primary School entertained the audience by spontaneously reading snippets that touched every heart. This endearing item was followed by the beloved author, Nelia van Zyl who kept the audience captivated with her eccentric storytelling, proving that reading is definitely not dull. Alderman Smith shared fond childhood memories of spending a great deal of his childhood reading quietly in a corner of the local library while his parents were working shifts. He also commended Minister Marais for developing new libraries for the current and next generations. Eleanore Pietersen, the senior librarian at Melton Rose explained that the library serves the communities of Melton Rose, Black Heath, Blue Downs and Eerste River; it is well-known as a user-friendly and child-friendly source of knowledge.

Minister Marais stressed the value of our libraries, literacy, reading and books and invited the audience to reflect on their very first visit to a library. She said: “Our libraries are the heart of our communities and are safe hubs to the most vulnerable.” She also promoted libraries as creative places where young and old can bond with each other.

Cecilia Sani, Director of the Western Cape Library Service, wrapped up the launch and encouraged communities to visit their local libraries, especially during annual Library Week from 18-26 March 2017.

The DCAS Library Poster is available online in the 3 official languages of the province.

Our libraries open new worlds with a stock of over 6 million books, audiovisual resources and free internet access. Come and read, be informed and empower yourself through knowledge to build a better future – BETTER TOGETHER.

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877 / 076 093 4913
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za