A book collection initiative to enrich the B.P. Leinaeng Library in Bloemfontein, has been unveiled. This is part of the Free State Central Book Festival (FSCBF) initiative to commemorate this year’s South Africa’s National Book Week during September.
Trevor Mokeyane, chairperson of the FSCBF, explained the objective is to populate the shelves of the iconic library with books and underscores the vital roles of libraries as key sources to improve literacy.
“We are calling on members of the public and publishers to volunteer donating books and to give credence to libraries as valuable sources of information,” said Mokeyane.
The campaign is ongoing to mobilise interested parties who want to get on board. It will culminate with a donation on 13 September, in addition to the celebration of National Literacy Month.
“As a publisher and organiser of the FSCBF, I am facilitating the book collection drive to contribute towards enhancing the culture of reading. We are involving the community to further give credence to the library’s establishment. History about the library informs us a group from within the community, the Mangaung Black Academics, pioneered the founding of the library.
“It is perfectly fitting to involve the public to restore the stature of the library. We are friends of the library, and we want to go beyond contributing books but also share ideas on how we can restore the library to its former glory of being the intellectual and recreational hub of the community,” said Mokeyane.
One of the pioneers to find the library was Alias Mmulakhoro, after whom the library was initially named. It was since renamed after the political activist and freedom fighter Benjamin Pule Leinaeng, from Bloemfontein, to recognise his role in the fight for freedom. Leinaeng was one of the 12 disciples of Nelson Mandela, who were from Bloemfontein.
This iconic institute situated opposite a popular business place in Phahameng is recently resembling the crumbling ruins within the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM). Discarded alcohol bottles, cans, and waste litter the property, and overgrown vegetation of grass speaks of decrepitude. A part of the steel fence needs attention. Seemingly, a motorist crashed into the fence a long time ago.
Those willing to donate books and support the campaign can contact Trevor Mokeyane on 073 648 7050.
