KNYSNA NEWS - Local libraries are joining public libraries nationwide that are celebrating the 22nd edition of South African Library Week (SALW) this week.
SALW is an important period in the country's annual calendar, and has been observed during the week of 20 March since 2001 when the former Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology approved the name "South African Library Week" for the annual celebration of SA's libraries.
The theme for this year's library week is 'ReImagine! RePurpose! ReDiscover ... Libraries!'.
The significance of 20 March in the history of SA's public libraries and even in the country's democracy is one that perhaps few are aware of. The South African Public Library, now known as the National Library of South Africa, was the first library to be established in South Africa.
This was done by a government proclamation on 20 March 1818.
The South African Library in fact started off as a true public library and has established itself as a pioneering institution in South African library history.
The date establishes a firm link between libraries and democracy as we celebrate Human Rights Day on 21 March, seeing as our Constitution established access to information as a basic human right.
The celebration of SALW aims to create an understanding of the vital role libraries play in a democratic society.
Closer to home, the Knysna Public Library has deep roots in the town's history.
According to a survey of public libraries and reading societies by the Cape Government in 1873, the first reference to a reading society/room in Knysna was in 1859.
Just under a decade later, in 1868, the Knysna Public Library was established and in 1871 government started supporting it financially, which meant free access to library books for all town residents.
Now, 154 years later, the Friends of the Knysna Libraries are lending a hand in celebrating SALW. At the Knysna Public Library in St James Square in Knysna Central, a vast collection of books and research material on local history is available to the public in the research activities room every weekday from 09:00 to 16:00 this week.
Further, at the Cearn Hall Library on Leisure Isle, the public can learn all about genealogy research. A family tree provides clues about the lives of those who were here before us, and this opportunity presents a unique way in which to learn how to go about it.
The opportunity will be available during the same days and hours this week. For more information on activities this week and how to get involved, contact Tracy Eray on tracyeray@gmail.com or Johann Vosloo on jvosloofamily@gmail.com.
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