GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality libraries came alive with the spirit of literacy as they celebrated South African Library Week on 21 February. The focal point of the festivities was the Kroonvale Library, where schools participated in various competitions aimed at growing a love for reading and learning among students.
Schools from across the region enthusiastically engaged in competitions such as Book Review, Reading, and Words within a Word.
These activities not only showcased the students' literary skills but also emphasised the importance of libraries in community development.
According to Mzwanele Mjali, the regional librarian, libraries play a crucial role in uniting people and communities. "Libraries are hubs where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to access reading materials," Mjali stated. "They promote a culture of reading and lifelong learning, which is vital for personal growth and community cohesion."
The theme for this year's South African Library Week, "Libraries Fostering Social Cohesion", resonated throughout the event.
Various activities catered to different Grade levels and languages, ensuring inclusivity and participation from all attendees. Students participated in book reviews in Afrikaans, English, and Xhosa, as well as a challenging "Words within a Word" competition.
Additionally, normal reading activities were held in Afrikaans and Xhosa for younger learners. The enthusiasm of the Graaff-Reinet schools were evident as they competed fiercely in each category.
Ultimately, the following students emerged victorious in their respective competitions:
- Book Review Afrikaans: Aranxia Nortje
- Book Review English: Amore Pietersen
- Book Review IsiXhosa: Naledi Mase
- Words within a Word: Jesslyn Draai
- Normal Reading in Afrikaans: Tanicha Hoffman
- Normal Reading in IsiXhosa: Sipheyena Mpulu
These winners will now advance to the district competition, scheduled to take place in the Ndlambe Municipality on 7 March. As the celebrations conclude, communities are encouraged to continue utilising their local libraries for reading, research and community engagement. Through initiatives like South African Library Week, the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality libraries are actively cultivating a culture of literacy and social cohesion among its residents.
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