DCSR to build five new libraries, says MEC Manana
The Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation is working hard to create a literate and informed society by taking library services closer to the people.
The construction and upgrading of libraries in Mpumalanga will go a long way in helping government reaching its goal of creating a literate society by making libraries accessible to people.
“Government will complete five libraries in Masoyi, Libangeni, Perdekop, Driefontein and Klarinet. R29.922m has been set aside for the 2012/2013 financial year to complete the construction of these libraries,” Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC, Ms Sibongile Manana made the announcement during the tabling of the R324,817m budget vote to the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature in May 2012.
Residents of Shatale in Bushbuckridge Municipality, Middelburg in Steve Tshwete Municipality and Ermelo in Msukaligwa Municipality have a reason to celebrate. The department will complete the upgrading of Shatale, Middelburg and Ermelo libraries in this financial year. All these developments make it easy for people to access libraries without travelling long distances.
The department is not only focusing on infrastructure projects, but it has made a concerted effort of improving and transforming library material in the province. “We procured 47,020 library material to improve the situation in libraries but also to transform the library material so that they are relevant to the demographics of the province and country,” said MEC Manana.
This is a fillip to library patrons particularly those who use it for academic purposes such as pupils and researchers as Mpumalanga libraries will be shelved with current and relevant titles to assist in their studies or for leisure. This augurs well for pupils who can use the updated material to improve their grades in schools.
It does not end there. The department will spend a further R11m to install Information Communication Technology in public libraries for accessing Internet and to “allow library patrons to access more information as they seek to develop and empower themselves”. In keeping up with the digital age, 105 Mpumalanga public libraries have access to the Internet.