91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) celebrates South African Library Week (SALW), March 19-26, by translating the theme “Read in your own language @ your library” into the country’s 11 national languages.

LIASA chose the theme to highlight the key role libraries in South Africa play in developing a reading culture and in the preservation and promotion of all South African languages.

The theme spotlights the importance of children learning to read in their mother tongue in order to build a foundation for reading and also to preserve culture and language.

In addition, LIASA’s intention is to encourage writing and publishing in all literary genres and non-fiction in all South African languages.

The week kicked off at the Centre for the Book in Cape Town on Saturday, where the deputy minister of arts and culture addressed an audience on the importance of libraries in the national development agenda.

Libraries throughout South Africa will host their own events over the course of the week. Events include job seeking workshops, puppet shows, storytelling, presentations on human rights and the environment and library open house events.

Since joining the Campaign for the World’s Libraries in 2007, LIASA has grown its @ your library program each year. In 2008, LIASA used the @ your library logo to promote South African Library Week with the theme “.” In 2009, dual campaigns were launched to target children and adults. Next in 2010, three translations of the @ your library brand appeared on posters that tied .

The Campaign for the World’s Libraries was developed by the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and is designed to showcase the unique and vital roles played by public, school, academic and special libraries worldwide.

Thirty-six countries have joined the campaign, and the @ your library brand has been translated into each country’s language. The @ your library brand is currently available in 31 languages. The logos are available for download in each of the partner country’s flag colors.

The Campaign for the World’s Libraries is a partner in the Campaign for America’s Libraries (), 91´«Ã½’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe - use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible in part by 91´«Ã½’s Library Champions, corporations and foundations.