Dear Editor
The three new mini-libraries planned in the 2017/18 financial year, for Witzenvallei (Witzenberg), Teslaarsdal (Theewaterskloof) and Chicago (Paarl), which are all small communities in the Western Cape, will ensure that these residents now also have access to information.
This was submitted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, during a meeting with the Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs and Sport at the Provincial Parliament, while the 2017 Appropriation Bill was discussed.
R 725 049 000 is to be appropriated for 2017.
On the eve of National Library week, which is from 18-25 March 2017, this is welcoming news. Currently there are 57 mini-libraries and the additional establishment of the three, will bring the total in the Province to 60. This is extremely vital, because communities always yearn for information. As much as people access information on their mobile devices, via the internet, there are still many small- and rural communities where this is not the case.
The establishment of these mini-libraries are therefore key in ensuring that information is accessible. It also means communities don’t have to travel far distances to access information, whether it be for research, study or any other service that is being offered by the library. Furthermore, this also encourages and instill a love for reading, which in turn addresses issues of illiteracy.
As the DA-led Western Cape Government we will continue to support and enhance library services to all inhabitants of the Province, while preserving and providing access to archival material.
Regards
Adv. Lennit Max, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Cultural Affairs and Sport
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