25 Oct 2016

Traditionally a public library serves the community by providing accurate and up to date information that enhances their livelihood.

A public library provides readers of all ages with pleasure reading, research materials and access to a wide database of information.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA recently, senior assistant librarian at Kanye Public Library Mr Kagiso Tsholo said libraries are very important to every community because they enable everyone to gain free access to the written word in multiple formats.

He said libraries provide communities with computers to search the internet, books and research materials of their choice.

Mr Tsholo said a library is open to independent learners and assistance is provided for the use, to easily access research material.

He said a community without a library is severely disadvantaged because a library is useful for people of all walks of life.

He said since the establishment of the facility in 1982 it played a critical role in contributing to the development of Kanye as well as changing the economic landscape of the village.

Mr Tsholo said when most people think of Kanye Public Library, they just think about the book borrowing aspect of the centre, thus advising that the facility offers computer training to elderly people free of charge.

He further explained that research and reading materials for scholars and novel enthusiasts as well as computer usage and games such as chess, monopoly and scrabble, among others are some of the services they offer.

He added that Wi-Fi and internet services are also provided, therefore he called for Kanye youth to make use of the facility instead of indulging in habit forming drugs and alcohol as well as awkward behaviour.

Mr Tsholo said Kanye Public Library cultivates and instills a spirit of competence and excellence among graduates, interns and other scholars on attachment.

He said the facility currently has a staff compliment of 10 permanent employees; in addition to that the library has three students from Botho University on attachment basis and five students from the National Service Programme.

However, Mr Tsholo believes that information is the gateway to success and as such pleaded with the Kanye community and the nation at large to take advantage of libraries as they are capable of empowering people to meet their full potential and hence realise their dreams. ENDS