“Libraries are not only a place to read and learn, but also a safe haven for many”. These are the words of Anroux Marais, Western Cape Minister of Sport and Cultural Affairs, who added libraries still form an integral part of society and skills development.

Almost 100 guests were in attendance at the official launch of library week, which was held on Monday 14 March in Noordhoek, Velddrif. The theme for this year is: “ReImagine! RePurpose! ReDiscover… Libraries”.

National Library Week, which took place between 14 and 20 March is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

Emmarentia Cleophas, programme coordinator at the launch of Library Week (also a librarian at Porterville Library), explained that library week began in 2001 when the Library Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) wanted to market libraries and its services.

She said: “Since the first library was opened on 20 March 1818, it was decided that every year on 20 March, library week would be celebrated.”

Cleophas explained libraries have five laws they must comply with. Following these laws are of utmost importance to being able to render excellent services to all readers.

The five laws every library and librarian must adhere to are: books are there to be used; every reader has his/her favourite book; every book has its reader; save the readers time; and the library is a growing organism.

At the event, Marais, along with Executive Mayor Ray van Rooy and Deputy Mayor Mario Wessels handed books over and a certificate to all representatives of the various libraries within the Bergrivier municipal area.

Daantjie Kat, a Bergrivier municipal mascot, also delivered an educational role play for the children on how to treat books with care.

There are 14 library facilities in the Bergrivier municipal area.