1. The Department of Arts and Culture, in conjunction with the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), has declared that South African Library Week (SALW) 2018 will be celebrated from 19 to 25 March 2018. The theme will be "Libraries: Heart of the Community".

2. The theme re-emphasises the idea that libraries belong to the community and are central to it. All libraries, whether it is a school, public, academic or special library, are at the heart of community life to offer vital resources to address community needs, and are places where the community gathers.

3. They are open to their own communities, and provide essential services to help people and neighbourhoods thrive. From internet access and help with homework to story-times and language programmes, libraries provide free accessible space, information resources and services for everyone.

4. The theme also encourages everyone to realise that libraries are preferred one-stop, socially inclusive spaces for advancing literacy through the intellectual and aesthetic development of all ages.

5. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) encourages schools to partake in the national LIASA competition by doing the following:
5.1 Please enter electronically and answer the following questions (these questions will assist you in the planning of your event/exhibition):

  • Describe what you planned for SALW 2018.
  • What were the objectives of your planned event/exhibition?
  • Who was your target audience and how did your SALW 2018 activities impact on them?
  • Was your planned SALW 2018 event/exhibition a success?
  • Why do you think the judges should consider your library for the prize?
  • Very important: Please email at least four high definition photographs to Liasamaig@gmail.com
5.2 The closing date for the competition is Wednesday, 11 April 2018.
5.3 Entries can be submitted electronically by following the link, https://goo.gl/forms/k3jPKltyQGRu67qf1.
5.4 Category winners will receive a R1 000 Exclusive Books voucher for their library.
5.5 Enquiries can be directed to Elsabé Olivier at elsabe.olivier@up.ac.za.
5.6 Announcement of the winners: The winners will be notified telephonically or via email by 20 April 2018.
5.7 Educators may download the SALW 2018 poster here: http://www.liasa-new.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/A2-Poster-002.pdf.

6. The following WCED district officials may be contacted regarding school library services:

Faith Lawrence School Library Adviser,
West Coast district
tel. no. 021 860 1562
Janine Ontong School Library Adviser,
Cape Winelands district
tel. no. 023 348 4657


SIGNED: HA LEWIS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: EDUCATION PLANNING
DATE: 2018:03:14