The event, hosted by the City’s Central Library, has become an annual marker for South African Library Week celebrations.

The City’s librarians took to the streets on Friday, 13 March 2020, for the annual road march, which coincides with South African Library Week.

The march started at the Central Library, attended by library staff, patrons and supporters who handed out library maps and promotional material to passers-by.

‘Taking libraries to the streets is a fun way of reminding us all about the importance of books and learning and the amazing resources that our libraries are. They remain among the most established and well-visited community spaces in our city, but we know that there are many people who are not exploiting this resource. The road march and National Library Week are meant to increase awareness of what is available to the public in their communities. We have also unveiled our mascot, Libby the Bee to the public – just another way in which we are building connections between the public and our libraries,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

South African Library Week (SALW) starts on 16 March and runs until 22 March. The theme this year is ‘Libraries: Your Partner for Life’ and aims to raise awareness around libraries and their importance in communities.

SALW also coincides with Fine Free Week, when patrons have the opportunity to return long overdue library items like books, DVDs, CDs, audio books and magazines without paying the fines due. Patrons who have lost their library cards will also be able to apply for a free replacement card.

During South African Library Week, the City’s Library and Information Service will host a series of programmes and residents are encouraged to liaise with their local libraries for details.

Source: City Of Cape Town