The Sandton Library welcomed community members and library patrons to join them in celebrating World Book and Copyright Day on April 23.
With Region E libraries’ senior librarian Msenin Tembani directing the programme, the event was characterised by insightful speakers taking to the podium. Data standards and quality reporting specialist Dr Modiehi Rammutloa spoke extensively in her presentation, titled: Strengthening the culture of reading, and leaving no one behind.
Rammutloa spoke on the importance of having reading role models in communities for young children to copy the behavioural patterns of. She encourages reading to be treated as an activity instead of as a chore.
“That’s where reading culture starts from because children mimic what they see in their different communities,” Rammutloa said. “Children learn by comprehension; children listen, and they become better readers when they listen.
“So, reading begins at home,” said Rammutloa. “In fact, reading begins with a mother who is carrying her child. Start a culture of reading to your child.”
Rammutloa also spoke on the role libraries play in fostering a love of reading for comprehension among South African youths. According to Rammutloa, library communities stand to gain a lot from community libraries becoming equipped to be able to assess young patrons’ learning needs where apparent.
“You need to understand that the children who come to the library are not the same, and we cannot apply a one-size-fits-all approach,” Rammutloa said. “When children come to public libraries, we must have a standard to identify children’s diverse learning needs.”
Rammutloa’s description of literacy as a combination of reading, writing and comprehension capacity was resonant. She was followed at the podium by Jacana publishing director Bridget Impey, who gave an overview of how the sector has adapted to digitisation, and South Africans’ growing demands for vernacular literature.
Finally, the speaker of the day – author and relationship recovery coach, Mandy Johnson, wrapped up the event, speaking on the role literature has played in her life.
“Books saved my life,” Johnson said at the end of her online presentation. “Look at what life is calling to you, and find what needs healing.”
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