The celebratory South African Library Week 2025 digimag – brought to you by the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) – is out now. See the article to read and download it.
Image: Supplied
By Charlie Molepo – President: Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA)
South African Library Week (SALW) is an annual, week-long event hosted by the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) - in partnership with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture; Makhado Municipality; EBSCO; Ndende Technologies; Sabinet; and UKS.
SALW 2025 runs from March 17 to March 23.
This year’s theme - “Libraries for Sustainable Communities” - highlights libraries' transformative role in fostering sustainability, resilience, inclusivity and accessibility within communities.
This theme aligns with South Africa's commitment to sustainable development and equality - reflecting libraries' contributions to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and quality education (SDG 4). Libraries provide inclusive spaces and access to resources for all members of society; empowering communities through education, social support and opportunities for lifelong learning.
Libraries are among the most inclusive institutions within communities. They are designed to serve everyone regardless of age, gender, socio-economic status or background; offering free or low-cost access to a wide range of resources and services. In communities with barriers to education and information, libraries stand as beacons of opportunity, supporting people who may otherwise face exclusion. They provide accessible spaces that are welcoming to individuals with disabilities and language barriers, as well as those from historically marginalised groups – ensuring equitable access to knowledge and tools for growth.
By bridging gaps between diverse groups and encouraging social interaction, libraries foster mutual understanding, cultural awareness and respect among community members. This inclusivity strengthens social bonds vital to developing sustainable and resilient communities.
Aligned with SDG 4, libraries are crucial in promoting literacy, learning and skills development across all stages of life. They provide resources for students, families and adults seeking education beyond formal settings. By offering access to books, digital resources and study spaces, libraries support traditional education while providing a foundation for lifelong learning. This is particularly valuable in under-resourced areas, where libraries often serve as the primary centres for free education and access to technology.
Libraries also host literacy programmes, early childhood education sessions and adult education workshops addressing the diverse needs of their communities. These efforts empower people to improve their lives and contribute more fully to their communities. For many, libraries provide the only access to the information and digital resources needed to pursue personal and professional growth; essential to building a knowledgeable and skilled population.
In an increasingly digital society, libraries are critical in bridging the digital divide by providing technology, internet access and digital literacy training. For individuals who lack access to digital tools at home, libraries are essential in ensuring that they can connect with the digital world – from conducting job searches and applying for services to participating in digital learning. By offering free access to digital resources, libraries enable everyone to benefit from technological advancements, regardless of their socio-economic background.
This commitment to digital inclusion supports SDG 11 by making urban and rural communities more inclusive and resilient. By providing digital skills training, libraries prepare community members for participation in the digital economy; contributing to local and national economic sustainability.
Libraries also play a valuable role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices within their communities. Library programmes, workshops and information resources focused on sustainability educate individuals about climate change, recycling and sustainable living practices. This knowledge empowers communities to make informed decisions contributing to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.
Furthermore, libraries act as hubs for community engagement where individuals can come together to discuss shared challenges and solutions. This role supports social cohesion and resilience by fostering dialogue, civic participation and collaborative efforts to address community issues. In this way, libraries contribute directly to building strong, inclusive and sustainable communities.
This year’s South Africa Library Week (SALW) is special as we celebrate it when South Africa assumes the presidency of the G20. The library sector is uniquely positioned to support the country in advancing its agenda with a particular emphasis on culture, community development and innovation – grounded in the themes of the SALW 2025 “Libraries for Sustainable Communities”.
Charlie Molepo - LIASA President
Image: Supplied
Strategic alignment with G20 priorities
1. Promoting cultural exchange and understanding
Aligned with the SALW 2025 theme, libraries drive sustainable community development by:
3. Empowering communities through innovation
In line with the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) 2025 theme, libraries are innovation hubs that empower communities by:
The “Libraries for Sustainable Communities” theme celebrates a library's vital role in promoting inclusivity, access to quality education, digital literacy, environmental awareness and community resilience. By offering inclusive access to information, learning opportunities and resources, libraries empower individuals of all backgrounds to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. As centres of lifelong learning and social support, libraries are indispensable in South Africa’s journey towards creating a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
