South African Library Week 16-23 March 2013 - "EDUCATE YOURSELF @ YOUR LIBRARY" #SALW2013

Press Release:

SOUTH AFRICAN LIBRARY WEEK – 16-23 MARCH 2013

“EDUCATE YOURSELF @ YOUR LIBRARY”

The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) is celebrating South African Library Week during 16-23 March 2013 with the theme: “Educate Yourself @ Your Library”.
The launch of SA Library Week will take place at the National Library of South Africa, 228 Johannes Ramokhoase (Proes) Street, Pretoria, on Saturday, 16 March, where the Deputy Minister of Arts & Culture, Dr Joseph Phaahla will deliver the keynote address.

The theme for 2013 is “Educate Yourself @ Your Library” as libraries have always played a pivotal role in education and self-development, be it a school, academic, public or special library. Currently the public library is largely fulfilling a school library role to fill the gap left by the lack of school libraries. Apart from the “formal” role that libraries play in this arena, they have also always played an informal role in the education of communities as “the University of the People”. 

The concept of lifelong learning is embodied in all libraries especially public and community libraries. The fact that any person, young or old, rich or poor, employed or unemployed, can walk into a library and find information (in both electronic and traditional formats) to educate and enrich themselves, for free, is one of the major pluses in the favour of libraries.

The theme provides us with an opportunity to bring to the attention of the country, community leaders and decision-makers the role that libraries play in educating communities and the nation at large.

Librarians across the country will be hosting special programmes during this week to highlight the services and resources available in their facilities. Members of the public are encouraged to visit their libraries during this period and participate in these activities. A selection of these programmes from around the country will be available on the LIASA website, http://www.liasa.org.za.

ABOUT LIASA

LIASA is the national professional association for all library and information workers in South Africa. LIASA aims to unite, develop and empower all people in the library and information field. It represents the interests of and promotes the development and image of library and information services in South Africa. More information can be found at: http://www.liasa.org.za.

For any enquiries and information please contact:

Mandla Ntombela, LIASA National PRO
Tel.: +27 (0) 33 392 2626
Cell: 083 478 4626
Email: Mandla.Ntombela@msunduzi.gov.za or mandla.ntombela@gmail.com

Ujala Satgoor, LIASA President
Tel: +27 (0) 46-603 8079
Mobile: 083 336 0565
E-Mail: president@liasa.org.za