New library leaders graduate on World Librarians Day

10 July 2025

Twenty-three City of Cape Town librarians are the latest to graduate from the Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders (SILL) training programme on World Librarians Day, today, 10 July.

The group was the fourth to complete the SILL programme - the theme this year was 'Learning to play the game'.

SILL is a foundational leadership training curriculum designed to build leadership and innovation skills for librarians and was developed at the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs in partnership with librarians around the world.

The training is divided into interactive modules focusing on leadership, innovation, planning, and communication.

The participants spent five weeks sharpening their leadership and innovation skills on matters linked to youth culture: gamified learning, creative problem-solving and community building.

These graduates will go on to champion pop-up creative spaces, graphic novel clubs and engaging workshops that equip young residents to thrive in a knowledge-driven economy. Because of their energy, libraries have become launch pads where Cape Town’s youth explore ideas, connect with mentors and dream big.

‘Congratulations to our graduates for their hard work and dedication. The graduation is made all the significant by its timing on World Librarians Day, when we acknowledge the contribution and vital role of librarians in building our city and nation. They do more than just catalogue thousands of items and also advise, troubleshoot and help patrons learn new skills and reach their goals. The City’s librarians at our 102 service points are making an impact on their communities by providing access to information, supporting education and fostering a love of reading,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

South Africa's theme for World Librarians Day is 'Twelve Languages, One Nation, One Wikipedia'.

Over the past three years, the City has appointed 32 librarians aged between 24 and 35, which brings the total number of librarians in this age group to 68.

The younger generation of librarians are guided by the wisdom of their more experienced colleagues and can draw on their established knowledge while contributing their own youth energy, technological savvy, innovation and eagerness to learn.
City librarians hold a collective 4 057 years of service experience.

Celebrate the impact of librarians by visiting your local library on World Librarians Day and share a selfie or send a shout-out on the City of Cape Town’s Facebook page or your library's Facebook page. Let's show gratitude to librarians who prove each day that the future of libraries is a bright shining light.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office