Libraries Celebrate National Book Week

The Western Cape Library Service will partner with the Overberg Municipality and public libraries to celebrate National Book Week 2012 from 3 to 7 September 2012. Activities structured around the theme "Stay Connected: Getting to Know Your Library" will bring book lovers together at the Zwelihle and Moffat halls in Hermanus, and the Thusong Centre in Hawston.

The event aims to improve community access to books and encourage people to join local public libraries. Two posters will be launched during the festivities - one on climate change and the other on International Literacy Day.

Mr Neville Adonis of the Library Service said that the week's events are aimed at promoting awareness of the joy of reading and the many services that public libraries have to offer. "Members of the public will also be advised on the requirements for becoming a member of their local public library and how to make use of these facilities," said Adonis.

In addition to exhibitions, various projects, training and workshops will take place. These include bookmaking, reading classes for the elderly, story hours and face painting for children, old-fashioned film shows and current affairs awareness events.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is confident that National Book Week will help to create a culture of reading and library usage, social inclusion and greater public participation. The department believes that together the public can be encouraged to view reading as a fun, pleasurable and community-building activity.