24 Aug 2014

The use of new trends of information technology is killing library services in rural areas, says acting principal library officer in Letlhakane Sub District, Ms Wazha Ndolamo. 

Ms Ndolamo said most of the youth prefer to access Internet in their smart phones and Internet cafes to get information instead of utilising the library.

She said the community needs to be sensitised on the importance of library.

“We have realised that most people are not aware of the existence of the library in Letlhakane.”

She said even though the library was located at Letlhakane Senior Secondary School, it was open for community use.

Ms Ndolamo noted that the library offered many services which could benefit both parents and children.“We lend books to individuals, offer games such as chess, scrabble and blocks which could be used by children,” she explained.

She said the library was important as it could improve the lives of society, as people could use it to research and get information about different aspects of their lives such as business, agriculture, fashion and recreation amongst others.

Ms Ndolamo also indicated that it was easy for an individual to register for membership as only an identity card was required.

One of the residents, Ms Gaseene Abel said going to the library was a waste of time.

“I used to visit the library while I was still schooling at Letlhakane Senior Secondary School because it was part of my lessons. Today, I use a smart phone which enables me to access the Internet any time.” Ms Abel said.

She said she was not working as she spent most of her time on Facebook looking for jobs and scholarships. ENDS