LIASA Higher Education Libraries Interest Group: [Lib-helig-l] LIASA statement on the burning of the Welgelee Library in the Northern Cape.

MEDIA ADVISORY

BURNING OF WELEGEË LIBRARY: HUGE LOSS TO THE COMMUNITY

The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) is shocked and appalled at the burning down of the Welgeleë Library, Olifantshoek, Gamagara Local Municipality in the Northern Cape.

The Welgeleë Library was opened in 1984, revamped in 2004 and served a community of 15,000 residents, as well as 2 crèches, 2 primary schools and 1 high school. The library had a collection of 40,000 items. These books and audiovisual materials were completely destroyed, as well as a photocopy/fax machine and 6 computers for library patrons, 1 admin computer, a television, fax machine and of course furniture. All the educational toys and games of the Toy Library were also destroyed in the fire. The materials for the Soul Buddies and Love Life programmes were burnt. The library purchased materials and school clothing for the “Back to School” project. Unfortunately these items were lost in the fire.

The following services were rendered to the community during April 2012:

885 registered library users, of which 720 are children;
1 222 books and 15 magazines issued;
799 photocopies were made;
On average 2000-3000 learners used the library as a study facility and for access to information for school projects;

Public protests have been ongoing in the town of Olifantshoek for the past month, but police are denying that the library was torched due to the public protests.

The destruction of this valuable resource is a great loss to the community and should be condemned. LIASA calls upon all stakeholders, the government and the community to speak out in support of libraries, to strongly condemn such actions and to protect libraries as valuable national assets. The library as an institution is critical for the preservation of our culture and heritage, the growth and development of individuals and the community, the stimulation of a culture of reading, plays a fundamental role in education and learning and contributes to the well-being of South Africa. The community at large and South Africans should defend and protect their libraries and not tolerate such acts of violence.

ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN COMMUNITY

LIASA aims to create awareness of the role that libraries play in developing their respective communities. During the recent SA Library Week, the theme – Develop @ your library - aligns to government’s agenda of encouraging job creation by focusing on the role that libraries can and do play in contributing to this call by the government. Libraries are perfectly situated to contribute to this agenda through the various programmes organized by libraries. Libraries enable their users to find information for their development whether it is to find a job, doing research, or starting a business. Libraries are also instrumental in developing programmes and activities to increase the knowledge and skills of members of their communities. These programmes can include:

· providing access to computers for internet access and word processing for job hunting, honing computer skills, typing a C.V. or doing research;

· programmes to teach a craft or skill;

· literacy and abet programmes, to improve the nation’s literacy levels;

· programmes to help learners find information, enabling them to become independent in finding credible information;

· Story-telling;

· Access to books, magazines, audiovisual and other educational and recreational resources.

ABOUT LIASA

LIASA is the national professional association for all library and information workers in South Africa. LIASA aims to unite, develop and empower all people in the library and information field. It represents the interests of and promotes the development and image of library and information services in South Africa. More information can be found at: http://www.liasa.org.za.