Mini library for the blind opens in Thembalethu

GEORGE NEWS - Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, officially opened the third library for the blind in George with a ribbon cutting last week. The opening of the Mini Library for the Blind in Thembalethu was timed to coincide with Library Week.

The two other mini libraries for the blind are already operational at George Library and at Pacaltsdorp Library.

The primary objective of this project is to provide access to reading materials through assistive devices and the provision of necessary technology. In pursuit of a knowledge society, programmes were rolled out that focused on the eradication of information poverty, while cultural diversity and active citizenship were encouraged and emphasised.

Marais said the department is committed to delivering inclusive services to all people across the province. She said in their aim for social cohesion and inclusion, they do not want anyone to be left behind due to circumstances out of their control.

"This mini library for the blind means access to more people that will have access to library resources and I hope this will bring joy and magic books bring," Marais said. "We must also encourage parents to read to children and young people to read to older people who struggle with their sight."

Bongile Matini, of the South African Library for the Blind, said the opening of the mini library for the blind in Thembalethu is part of more than 250 workstations across the country. Matini said it is a momentous occasion because Library Week is celebrated with its opening. "We hope this new mini library opens doors for the visually impaired community but also other handicapped individuals.

"More workstations will be opened in partnership with the Western Cape government and we hope more and more people make use of the free service," Matini said.

Members of Ilitha Centre for the Blind in George, Olympia Skills School and the Association for Mouth and Foot painters in George, as well as a published author, Nkosinathi Menziwa, were part of the celebration.

Menziwa compiled a book of the stories of members from Ilitha called Imfama (meaning: the blind). Menziwa said the stories are of the mothers and fathers that are blind. He said he was humbled that they gave their time and trust to him and that he could turn their stories into a product that they can be proud of. He said the stories are written in isiXhosa and will be available in English by next month.

Minister Anroux Marais (right) and Nkosinathi Menziwa, a local author, with two of his published books. Menziwa compiled a book of the stories of members from Ilitha Centre for the Blind, called Imfama (The blind).

Members of Ilitha serenaded the attendees with beautiful singing, while Patrick Botto entertained with his mouth paintings.

George Libraries manager Rachel Williams said visually impaired people have the same information needs as sighted people.

"Just as sighted people might read a newspaper, listen to a CD or download electronic information from the Internet, visually impaired people also want access to relevant information in their chosen accessible format," she said.

"Developing an efficient library service for print-disabled people is extremely important, because there are significantly fewer books available commercially in accessible formats compared with what is published in print for the general public. Libraries have a moral obligation to make information available to all categories of users, regardless of their gender, age, race, class or disability."

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais (third from right) cuts the ribbon at the Thembalethu Mini Library for the Blind. With her are local author Nkosinathi Menziwa (front left) and other dignitaries, including representatives of all the libraries in George.