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GEORGE NEWS - Reading books open us up to new information, which can lead to new opportunities and in most cases a better life. So said George Mayor Leon van Wyk during the celebration of National Book Week at Thembalethu Library on Tuesday 6 September.
The importance of literacy and reading for information, entertainment and education, was emphasised during this event.
Van Wyk joined in the activities by addressing a group of library patrons that included a group of youngsters known as the Yearboneers, learners of Thembalethu Primary School, members of the public, members of Ilitha Book Club from Ilitha Centre of the Blind and several other book clubs.
As an avid reader himself, Van Wyk quoted the famous words of Doctor Seuss: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
These words laid a firm foundation for the other speakers that followed, as each stressed the value of reading in our society.
Funda Mzantsi
Thembalethu Library is currently attending to twelve book clubs that will compete in the Funda Mzantsi Competition, which will be held in George in the first week of October.
The library had an exercise with the book clubs that set the tone for the competition. The impact of reading was demonstrated by Mzwandile Dibela, who is a blind person, as he explained the braille alphabet to onlookers.
The importance of access to information and libraries was the focus of a speech by a blind library patron, Nosipho Sidlayiye, who has recently matriculated. She credited access to audio devices that are made available to blind people at the numerous libraries in town for her success.
The community of Thembalethu was further acknowledged for their contribution to our literacy society as Thembalethu has a huge number of writers whose books are available at our libraries, of which Nkosinathi Menziwa is one example.
The artwork of Thembalethu artists was also on display.
Van Wyk congratulated George Libraries for the book clubs that are registered for the Funda Mzantsi Reading Competition and wished them luck.
Back from left are James de Waal, Xoliswa Kortman, Buhle Mnonopi, Siphokazi Khani, Mbalentle Sishuba, Azazole Mhana, Sinoxolo Dingiswayo, Thandeka Dibela, Sakhile Kibido, Linamandla Matyamu, Zukhanye Madlavana and Kholosa Maseti. Front: Mzwandile Dibela and Rachel Williams.
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