‘We use this day annually to acknowledge the value of our librarians who are critical in nation-building. More than just being knowledge bearers, librarians help to develop reading skills, foster a love for life-long learning and help to improve our nations literacy levels,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
To celebrate South African Librarians Day, the Library and Information Services Department will aim to further nurture intrigue and willingness to learn between the human book and their readers.

‘Librarians are unsung heroes, and in the City, our librarians boast a diverse set of skills and experiences and for all of them it's more than just a job,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

To celebrate Librarians Day, eight Talking Books will share their stories with the readers tomorrow at Du Noon Library.

The Talking Books include a children's librarian who had polio as a child, a former magazine editor, and some of the smartest library fundis in the city.

‘Our librarians are at the heart of their facilities and it's because of these individuals that library patrons come back all the time. And when they visit, it’s more than just to pop in and out to grab a book; library patrons feel comfortable enough to stay for hours, enjoying the space that has been created in libraries.

‘On Librarians Day, I want to encourage our young people to pursue librarianship as a worthwhile professional career. Make use of the library for more than just reading and studying. Libraries are the home of learning and they are an important part of our access to information which will help us change the world,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

South African Librarians’ Day was established in 2014 to create awareness about the importance of the profession and the role librarians play in nation-building.

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