The Library and Information Association of South Africa expressed shock at the burning down of Ratanda Library in Heidelberg, Gauteng, during protests on Human Rights Day last month.
It is particularly ironic and sad that this happened during the celebrations of SA Library Week, the organisation said in a statement.
The Library and Information Association of South Africa expressed shock at the burning down of Ratanda Library in Heidelberg, Gauteng, during protests on Human Rights Day last month.
It is particularly ironic and sad that this happened during the celebrations of SA Library Week, the organisation said in a statement.
South African Library Week is celebrated across the country during 17-24 March 2012 with the theme, “Develop @ your library”. This annual event is aimed at raising awareness of the critical role of libraries and to encourage the public to use this resource.
The Ratanda Library serves a community of 70 000 residents and had a collection of 11 807 catalogued library books.
These books were completely destroyed. Also destroyed were a photocopy/fax machine; eight brand-new computers for library patrons; three administration computers; a large-screen television and furniture. Damage was estimated at R2 957 615.00.
The organisation said the library had rendered the following services to the community:
* Computers used by 1000-plus patrons a month;
* More than 900 telefaxes sent a month;
* 2 594 photocopies made during January;
* Circulation of 3 146 items a year;
* On-site use of 10 133 items a year;
* Outreach programmes for the elderly and the youth.
The library depot in Ratanda Extension 7 was also looted and damaged.
The destruction of this valuable resource is a great loss to the community and should be condemned, said Liasa president Naomi Haasbroek in the organisation's statement. Liasa calls upon all stakeholders, the government and the community to speak out in support of libraries, to strongly condemn such actions and to protect libraries as valuable national assets.
The library as an institution is critical for the preservation of our culture and heritage, the growth and development of individuals and the community. The stimulation of a culture of reading, plays a fundamental role in education and learning and contributes to the well-being of South Africa. The community at large and South Africans should defend and protect their libraries and not tolerate such acts of violence.
SA LIBRARY WEEK
The theme “Develop @ your library” focuses attention on the role that libraries play in developing their respective communities. The Library Week theme aligns to government’s agenda of encouraging job creation by focusing on the role that libraries can and do play in contributing to this call by the government.
Libraries are perfectly situated to contribute to this agenda through the various programmes organized by libraries. Libraries enable their users to find information for their development – whether it is to find a job, doing research, or starting a business.
Libraries are also instrumental in developing programmes and activities to increase the knowledge and skills of members of their communities. These programmes can include:
* Providing access to computers for internet access and word processing for job hunting, honing computer skills, typing a CV or doing research;
* Programmes to teach a craft or skill;
* Literacy and abet programmes, to improve the nation’s literacy levels;
* Programmes to help learners find information, enabling them to become independent in finding credible information;
* Story-telling;
A selection of programmes and activities for SA Library Week at libraries from around the country is
available on the Liasa website, http://www.liasa.org.za.
About the Library and Information Association of South Africa
Liasa is the national professional association for all library and information workers in South Africa. It aims to unite, develop and empower all people in the library and information field. It represents the interests of and promotes the development and image of library and information services in South Africa. More information can be found at:
http://www.liasa.org.za.
