East author calls on metro to invest in more libraries

An author has called on private institutions and local government to create more reading facilities in Tshwane.

The Meyerspark resident, who has resided in Pretoria for about 10 years, described how there was a lack of establishments that promoted reading within Pretoria, such as public libraries.

Mario Rene Williams (50) said he came to this realisation when he launched his latest book W2L (Will to Live) recently.

Williams said an increase in accessible reading spaces was needed.

To do his part, Williams donated his book to his hometown library in Kariega.

“I donated a copy of my book to the library in my hometown with the hope I can be called upon to form part of their Library Week. I plan to do the same in the broader Tshwane.”

Williams developed a passion for writing in primary school.

He said having his MBA research published in book format was what cemented his passion for writing.

“Since primary school, I walked around with a dictionary to improve my vocabulary and I always enjoyed and performed well in essays throughout school.

In post-school studies, I was generally assigned as the one to consolidate discussions and group work in an accurate and palatable format. This culminated in me doing some editing on two books of a former mentor, and writing the acknowledgements.”

Williams moved to Pretoria in 2014. “A work opportunity presented itself to me.” His family followed soon after.

He recently launched his book to a small gathering of 20 people.

“This was only a ‘soft’ launch and I plan a public launch soon.”

His book reflects upon the author’s will to not just exist and survive, but to experience true life by giving full expression to his gift and latent potential, and to die empty.

These are encapsulated in various events, with reflection on his near-drowning during the 2004 Indonesian tsunami highlighting other events where he displayed a will to live.

The tsunami claimed more than 200 000 lives, including that of his friend who was with him at the time. His body has never been found.

He said his book aimed to ignite a desire to live in a reader’s life, beyond mere existence.

“By sharing my experiences and learnings of how I went about not just desiring, but actively manifesting ‘daily miracles’ to live a full and exceedingly abundant life.”

Williams said he was discouraged by the lack of libraries in Tshwane and would enjoy seeing some improvements.

“I visited a few libraries recently and they are not optimally utilised.

I would like to see more library management active engage residents so existing facilities are maximised and more people become active readers before investing in further physical infrastructure.”

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