Mini library for the blind launched in Limpopo
The facility is part of the 28 new Mini-Libraries for the blind launched countrywide.
The blind and visually impaired were in high spirits when the South African Library for the Blind in partnership with the National Library of South Africa recently launched a Mini-Library designed for the blind at Thulamela.
Blind residents at Thulamela in Limpopo now have access to free reading material and assistive technologies specially designed for them.
The facility is part of the 28 new Mini-Libraries for the blind launched countrywide.
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The launch is an initiative of National Libraries South Africa (NLSA) and the South African Library for the Blind (SALB) who together formed the Mzansi Mini-Library Project, to ensure all blind and visually impaired people across SA have access to their reading material free of charge.
The launch was officiated by Collins Thovhakale, Director of Library services in Limpopo, Francois Hendrikz, CEO of the South African Library for the Blind and Dr Maisela Maepa, Executive Director, Core Programmes of the National Library of Africa.
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Among the blind and other stakeholders who attended was Bele Netshiheni, who became blind in 2012.
She expressed her appreciation towards the library and encouraged those who attended not to give up on life because of their disability.
“I’d been a teacher for 23 years when my world fell apart in 2012,” she said.
“My marriage broke up and I spent a lot of time lamenting about my life. I finally accepted my situation and told myself I should stand up and do something. This new section of the library has helped me a lot. As I speak now, my masters research proposal has been approved by the senate at the University of Venda.”
Maepa said there was still a long way to go in making libraries accessible for people with disabilities.
He said he was excited because of the positive feedback from users of the Mini-Library.
“We urge you to spread the good news about the new services and resources at the library. And guard jealously against vandalism of these valuable resources” said Maepa.
