Local libraries often do not have the means to acquire much-needed computers and books on a regular basis. Staff of the North-West University (NWU) Library and Information Service (LIS) in Potchefstroom saw this need and reached out with a generous donation to the JB Marks community libraries.

Louise Vos, LIS senior manager, says the donation on 15 August consisted of 10 computers and nearly 800 books.

“The outreach forms part of the social responsibility and community engagement activities of the NWU.” According to Louise, the LIS became aware of the JB Marks community libraries’ need for computers and books.

The LIS managers for Information Resources and Library Systems, Ntobeko Sikhakhane and Cecil Gasa, emphasised the role of information literacy and information technology in the lives of citizens nowadays.

On behalf of the community libraries, Louise Markram, assistant city librarian, says the donation will assist them in providing a better service to the community. 

“This will assist in creating a house of knowledge and installing a culture of reading.” Zippora Vavane, acting director for Municipal Services and Local Economic Development, welcomes the donation and says that the libraries could not buy new books for the last two to three years.

Councillor Merna Meyer, MMC for Sports, Arts and Culture, said the donation was citizenship and responsibility in action.

Staff of the North-West University (NWU) Library and Information Service (LIS) handed the donation of books and computers to representatives from the JB Marks community libraries. Cllr K de Villiers, Cllr Merna Meyer, Louise Markram, Anna von Benecke, Lynnette Venter, Zippora Vavane, Cecil Gasa, Louise Vos and Ntobeko Sikhakhane were present at the handover function.