George Libraries celebrate Library Week
In the photograph above, the crowd that took part in the walk from Unity Park to George Municipality in celebrating South African Library Week were personnel from George Library, Olympia Skills School, Provincial Library Service (George Region) and Friends and Patrons of the library that were addressed by Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services (in the middle front).
George Libraries took to the Streets of George to announce the start of South African Library Week which is being celebrated from 18 to 24 March 2024.
George Library along with numerous other libraries in South Africa, like the South African Library for the Blind, had an official launch this week on Friday, 15 March. The theme of the week is Libraries Foster Social Cohesion.
Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services at George Municipality addressed the crowd that walked from Unity Park to George Civic Centre to promote Library Week. Ganza said in his address with social cohesion in mind George libraries create safe places for all residents and visitors to interact with each other. He also promised that the activities the libraries arrange are of a high standard. Schools and other groups are invited to be part of activities at the libraries. Part of the crowd that took part in the walk were personnel from George Library, Olympia Skills School, Provincial Library Service (George Region) and Friends and Patrons of the library.
According to the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), the theme underscores the crucial role libraries play in uniting communities as they serve as hubs where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas and learn and engage in cultural and intellectual activities. By providing access to information, technology, resources and programmes, libraries broaden horizons, connect individuals, and foster a shared sense of purpose and identity. They also provide safe spaces for marginalised communities to address social and development issues, share experiences and thus promote social cohesion.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture defines social cohesion as “the degree of social integration and inclusion in communities and society at large, and the extent to which mutual solidarity finds expression itself among individuals and communities”. Libraries as community institutions are central to achieving this idea.
Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries, said inclusivity is a hallmark of libraries, where everyone is welcome, fostering connections and trust among diverse societal groups. Libraries thus play an instrumental role in social cohesion by enabling informed community participation, stimulating dialogue, and promoting mutual respect among people from diverse backgrounds. She said libraries tailor their services to meet community needs, promote lifelong learning and support literacy development.
Libraries play a critical role in fostering social cohesion through supporting initiatives and programmes. They provide access to information and contribute to addressing socio-economic disparities, climate justice and environmental awareness, among others.
Libraries actively contribute to nurturing social cohesion by offering educational programmes that strengthen the social fabric of communities. Through these programmes, libraries promote an understanding of diverse cultures, histories, local history, and traditions; encourage tolerance, and enhance literacy skills which are all essential for social cohesion.
Libraries bridge the digital divide by providing access to information and communication technologies and engaging communities through social media and online platforms. They empower individuals and communities by building inter-connected and inclusive societies.
George Library and the branch libraries are hosting different activities at creches, schools and other institutions during the library week.
Photos:
The crowd that took part in the walk were personnel from George Library, Olympia Skills School, Provincial Library Service (George Region) and Friends and Patrons of the library that were addressed by Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services (in the middle front). 
Learners from Olympia Skills School with their colourful placards they’ve made in celebration of the South African Library Week. With them is Malibongwe Luyenge (middle), Senior Librarian at George Library.
Garelene Muller, Librarian at George Library at a gazebo library services put up in front of the George Museum to create awareness around South African Library Week.