The South African Library Week, celebrated from March 17 until 23, highlights the crucial role of public libraries in promoting reading cultures, particularly in regions like South Africa where access to reading materials is limited by inequality and poverty.
The Sundays River Valley Municipality recently hosted an event under the theme, “Libraries for Sustainable Communities,” emphasising libraries’ importance in fostering sustainable development.
The event held at Nqweba brought together various schools in the Valley, where children participated in educational activities and competitions in reading, wordplay, and book reviews. Winners of these competitions later represented the municipality at the district level.
During the District leg of the Library Week celebrations held at Koukamma Municipality, one of the highlights was the announcement of the Best Library Display Award for 2025, which went to the Sundays River Valley Municipality for the second consecutive year. The accolade was announced, drawing applause from all attendees.
Several students from the Valley were recognised for their outstanding achievements:
• Monique Van Ghent from Kirkwood High School secured second place in the Afrikaans Book Review.
• Mieke Pienaar from Kirkwood High School placed third in English Reading.
• Siko Achumile from Bhongolethu Primary School won third in IsiXhosa Reading.
• Ophola Jongilanga from Moses Mabida SSS achieved third place in Word Play.
• Shelly Olono Khalimashe from Moses Mabida SSS took third in IsiXhosa Book Review.
Principal Librarian, Lonwabo Heleni, expressed pride in the young people’s accomplishments. “Congratulations to these learners for representing the Valley and their schools with distinction. Well done to all participants at both the local and district levels,” he said.
According to the National Reading Barometer, public libraries are vital to the reading ecosystem. They provide free reading materials and serve as venues for engaging with diverse information sources. Libraries also offer a safe, well-lit, and quiet reading environment, alongside digital materials and internet access in the digital age.
“South African Library Week serves as a reminder of the value libraries bring to communities, supporting literacy and offering opportunities for education and personal growth. As the celebrations continue, the enduring impact of these institutions highlights the essential role they play in building informed and engaged communities,” the Barometer said in a statement.
