22 - 27 March 2010

Under the auspices of LIASA,

Libraries and Information Services  stakeholders

will celebrate & promote

the importance of

library & information services

throughout South Africa

with the theme: 

"READING CHANGES LIVES"

The National Library of South Africa in Pretoria will host

the official launch of the

 SA Library week 2010

on Saturday 20 March 2010

from 09:00 to 12:30.

This coincides with the 192th celebration of the National Library of SA's Cape Town Campus establishment. The then South African Library's origins date back to 20 March 1818, as the first South African public library in South Africa. Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of the Cape Colony, issued a proclamation launching the South African Public Library. Somerset stipulated that a wine tax would be levied "to place the means of knowledge within the reach of the youth of this remote corner of the Globe, and bring within their reach what the most eloquent of ancient writers has considered to be one of the first blessings of life, 'Home Education'."

During Library Week 2010 we also acknowledge Human Rights Day which is celebrated on 21 March. As the freedom of access to information is enshrined in our Bill of Rights, there is an important link between this important event for libraries and promotion of the freedom of access to information to ensure that democracy flourishes.

What's happening during Library Week 2010?

> 20 March - 23 April: "Every child a book"
> 20 March: SA Librarian's Choice 2010
> 21 March:10000 march for Libraries
> 26 March: Walk for school libraries