Thanks to the continuous efforts by the government, libraries are beginning to be regarded as the core of communities.
This is where parents and children can gain access to government information, newspapers and books.
This is where jobs are advertised and where learners and students can use the internet to improve their studies.
In an effort to rebuild and reconstruct society, the Northern Cape Department of Sports, Arts and Culture opened two new community libraries in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district.
The Mosweu Piet Melamu library in Logaganeng was opened on Wednesday (24/01), while the Ester Molete library was opened in Churchill on Thursday (25/01).
Northern Cape premier, Sylvia Lucas, emphasised the importance that all new libraries be built in close proximity to schools.
In this way, learners – especially those from disadvantaged communities – can gain access to information easily.
The late Mosweu Piet Melamu, after whom the new library is named, was a former headman and the founder of the school now known as the Bogare Primary School.
Melamu was born in 1888 and was one of the first people to stay in Logaganeng, which is about 30 km from Kuruman.
He was inaugurated as the headman of the village by Kgosi Jantjie after the passing of Kgosana Sethlodi.
Melamu came up with the idea of building the school after some of the children in the area were killed by the extreme cold weather during one fateful winter.
“He realised the importance of getting an education and persuaded members of this village to build a school, which is now known as the Bogare Primary School,” Lucas said.
She said the government shares Melamu’s vision of constructing an institution that will develop children through unlocking the power of information and opportunity.
“Through our library programme, we also promote social cohesion and nation building, because there is no restriction on who may gain access to libraries. Libraries are open for the benefit of everyone, irrespective of race, colour or creed.”
Lucas believes this information remains key to personal development and the improvement of social, economic, technical and scientific skills. Skills that are so necessary, especially in the mines in this district.
“For many communities in South Africa, only public libraries provide free access to computers and the internet. This new library will open the doors to free internet connectivity and technological resources for the members of this community.”
Lucas also pointed out the need for vibrant community libraries, stocked with new, relevant books across all subjects, to assist people in improving their skills and preparing themselves for their professions.
Activities like book and debating clubs were also encouraged. This will help to instill the culture of reading in the community and encourage the community to take ownership of different activities in the library.
