As the University celebrated South African Library Week from 17 to 23 March, the Pretoria Library and Information Services embarked on a student outreach programme as part of the festivities for the week. Themed “Libraries for Sustainable Communities”, SA Library Week is celebrated annually around the 20th of March, the date when the first South African Library was established in 1818.
According to Eunice Mtshali, Information Librarian, the outreach for students was aimed at promoting library services, and as part of the offering to students, 17 to 23 March was also declared a fine-free week for all those with overdue books.
“During the week we also provided training on how to navigate the library services. Students were trained on how to access online academic journals articles and using Endnote software for refencing,” she added.
“Throughout the week, the library also gave away goodies in the form of textbooks donated by Van Schaik and stationaries that were donated by other sponsors,” she said.
According to the Library and Information Association of South Africa, the theme "Libraries for Sustainable Communities" underscores the transformative role that libraries play in fostering sustainability, resilience, inclusivity, and accessibility within communities.
This theme is aligned with South Africa's commitment to sustainable development and equality, and it further reflects the library’s contributions to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Libraries provide inclusive spaces and access to resources for all members of society, empowering communities through education, social support, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
As centres of lifelong learning and social support, libraries are indispensable in South Africa’s journey towards creating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities for all.
