Margate Public Library

SOUTH AFRICAN LIBRARY WEEK 2020
16-22 MARCH 2020
LIBRARIES: Your partners for life

SA Library Week was initiated in 2001 by LIASA to be a commemorative period recognized by government when all types of libraries across the country use it as an opportunity to market their services in an effort to contribute to the understanding of the important role that libraries play in a democratic society, advancing literacy, making the basic human right of freedom of access to information a reality, and to promote tolerance and respect among all South Africans.

After extensive consultation with the membership the following proposal was accepted:

“That the week within which 20 March falls should be national Library Week. In the event of this day failing within a weekend, then the week preceding it would be celebrated as national Library Week.”

The choice of the date was based on research into the history of libraries in South Africa:

The South African Public Library, now known as the National Library of South Africa (Cape Town Campus) was the first library to be established in South Africa. This was done by a government proclamation on 20 March 1818. The South African Library in fact started off as a true public library and has established itself as a pioneering institution in South African library history.

Furthermore, we celebrate Human Rights Day on 21 March and our Bill of Rights recognizes the freedom of access to information as a basic human right. We are therefore able to link an important historical event with a crucial date in our new democracy.