Ekurhuleni residents are being encouraged to make greater use of the city’s libraries as part of National Book Week, which runs from September 1 to 7.

The City of Ekurhuleni’s Library and Information Services is using the week to promote reading as a daily activity while strengthening literacy programmes across communities.

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the city’s libraries cater to a diverse community through programmes designed to make reading enjoyable and accessible.

“The City of Ekurhuleni, Library and Information Services cater for the needs of a diverse community, including programmes at libraries to encourage reading as a fun, daily activity and build a stronger reading culture across communities,” said Dlamini.

These programmes include storytelling, reading in indigenous languages, poetry sessions, book debates and motivational activities.

Dlamini added that programmes range from Born to Read, which introduces expectant mothers to the value of reading to their unborn babies, to early childhood programmes, school support, student services, youth skills development and traditional library services.

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The city has 47 libraries across its three regions, with 18 in the eastern region, 12 in the northern region and 16 in the southern region.

All libraries have adult, children’s, reference and research, study and computer access sections. The city also has five Knowledge Centres, Studios and Kidz Zones, as well as a Cisco Academy.

Dlamini said literacy programmes are an important part of the city’s efforts to develop a stronger reading culture.

“Literacy and reading programmes are presented at libraries to develop a culture of reading and ensure we contribute to a literate community,” he said.

The programmes place particular emphasis on Grade 4 learners, following concerns around reading without comprehension.

Among the programmes offered are Blast Off with Books, Born to Read, Spelling Bee, debates and other reading activities.

The city also provides educational support through CAPS assistance, homework assistance, research and information services, while authors are given platforms for engagement and visibility.

Beyond traditional library services, residents can access skills development programmes covering ICT literacy, digital skills, research skills, career guidance, debates and public speaking.

The city has also partnered with Cisco to provide free basic and introductory IT courses through its libraries. The courses run for approximately four to five months and cover areas including digital literacy, introduction to IT support, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Ekurhuleni has also embraced digital reading through Libby, a digital library service that gives residents access to adult fiction and non-fiction, as well as selected Grade 12 prescribed books in isiZulu, English, Afrikaans, Sepedi and Sesotho.

“As the collection grows, more categories of books will be added,” said Dlamini.

The digital service also provides access to more than 6 000 magazines from around the world, including South African publications. Residents interested in joining the free service can enquire at their nearest Ekurhuleni library.

Library usage varies according to the demographics and needs of individual communities, with popular services including borrowing library material, reference services, ICT literacy, career guidance, Spelling Bee competitions, holiday programmes and homework assistance.

He said the city has a dedicated budget for providing resources to its 47 libraries. According to Dlamini, upgrades and maintenance are also planned for libraries during the 2026/2027 financial year.

Dlamini said library membership and book borrowing cannot necessarily be described as either increasing or declining across the metro because usage differs according to the demographics of each area. He urged residents who do not currently use their local library to explore the range of services available.