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LIASA CONDEMNS THE BURNING DOWN OF LIBRARIES

The Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) wants to raise grave concern about libraries being targeted and burned down in protests against Non-delivery of services. The burning of the Library in Balfour, Mpumalanga on Tuesday was shocking. So far four libraries were burned downin protests in Mpumalanga Province ,

National Library visit burned libraries More Photo's

namely Sakhile Library in Standerton, Tndukukhanya Library in Piet Retief, Siyathuthuka Library in Belfast and Mashishing Library in former Lydenburg in 2009. The fifth one to go up in flames is Siyathemba in Balfour . While LIASA recognises the right of communities to protest and demonstrate, we strongly condemn the senseless targeting and destruction of libraries . A Library is the heart of a community, a beacon of hope, a symbol of upliftment and empowerment in any community. As partners in education and social development, libraries play a vital role in eradicating illiteracy, inculcating a mindset of lifelong learning and instilling a culture of reading which sparks critical thinking and debate needed in any democracy. To burn down libraries is to blow out the light that could lead many communities out of the tunnel of ignorance. It is clear that the five libraries which went up in flames took with them opportunities to develop into a reading or informed community. Rachel More LIASA: President

If you know of or have any information regarding relevant or newsworthy events or issues please forward to
Sue-Adri.Jefthas@nlsa.ac.za.