Kwa-Thema – A group of young people attended the annual Reading Festival and learnt how much fun reading and libraries can be.
Held on November 7 and 8 at the Tshepo Themba Multipurpose Centre in Etwatwa, the Gauteng Provincial Library Service and CoE Libraries hosted the festival to promote libraries, books and reading in communities.
Over the two days, more than 1 000 interested community members, learners from primary schools and ECD centres, writers, authors and publishers attended.
“It was wonderful hearing first-hand from the authors how they write books and how they get published.
“Now, when we see a book, we understand how much effort went into it,” said Mandla Namo, the acting chairperson of the Ekurhuleni Culture and Recreation Forum.
The exhibitors included CoE Libraries, the Gauteng Provincial Library Services, reading organisations like Nal’iBali, literacy organisations and training institutes.
“We were made aware of the critical role libraries play in communities, why being able to read with comprehension is important, and how reading and using books can secure your future,” Namo added.
He encouraged residents to register for library cards and use the available resources. The CoE will also host a slam poetry competition.
Slam poetry is a competitive performance art combining the written and oral delivery of poetry in front of an audience.
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It holds particular importance in public libraries for four reasons:Expressive medium: Poetry gives young people a powerful way to convey their thoughts and emotions on any subject.
Gateway to literature: For many, poetry is a highly regarded art form and an entry point into literature.
Inspires creativity: Slam poetry encourages audiences to write and perform their thoughts with skill, which inherently promotes reading and self-expression.
Engaging and enjoyable: It’s an entertaining and dynamic method of engaging with literature, making it well-suited for library programmes.
The CoE Libraries slam poetry events will see the participants present original works before an audience.
The initiative will follow a twofold approach:Engage young poets: Regional competitions invite young poets into the libraries, offering them an inspirational space to develop their craft.
Bring poetry to the community: The final event takes poetry beyond the library, allowing the community to recognise the value of creative expression.
Regional competitions:
November 26: The Katlehong Library auditorium (Southern region);
November 27: The Rhoo Hlatshwayo Art Center (Eastern region);
November 28: The Kwa-Thema Library (Eastern region);
November 29: The Thembisa West Library (Northern region).
Main event:December 26: The Dumisani Masilela Theatre in Germiston.
Five finalists from each region will be chosen to compete in the main event, bringing the number of participants to 20.
For more information, call Namo on 078 861 2951.
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