Cape Town librarians marched through the city centre this week, launching South African Library Week and reaffirming their commitment to literacy, inclusion and community empowerment.
City librarians took to the streets of central Cape Town in a vibrant celebration of reading, signalling the official start of South African Library Week (SALW), running from 15 to 22 March 2026. The colourful road march — now a firm fixture on the City libraries calendar — highlighted the evolving role of libraries as dynamic community hubs supporting education, access to information and social cohesion across the metro.
What began in 2014 as a passion project led by Cape Town Central Library has grown into a city-wide movement. Initially staged by a single team, the march expanded rapidly, with the Library & Information Services Department formally joining in 2017. Now in its ninth year, the annual march continues to celebrate literacy while strengthening visibility around public libraries as inclusive civic spaces.
This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Knowledge, Empowering Futures,” places strong emphasis on digital inclusion, the preservation of indigenous knowledge and community-driven innovation. Librarians from across Cape Town used the demonstration to showcase the breadth of services available to residents — from digital reading platforms such as PressReader and Libby, to free internet access, learning resources and safe spaces that support lifelong learning.
South African Library Week was initiated by the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) to promote literacy and library services nationally. The programme intentionally includes Human Rights Day on 21 March to highlight the role libraries play in strengthening democracy and protecting the constitutional right to freedom of access to information.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Councillor Francine Higham said libraries continue to play a vital role in building social cohesion and creating inclusive spaces for residents, particularly young people. She noted that beyond books, libraries serve as community anchors that enable shared learning, dialogue and opportunity.
The week also includes Fine-Free Week, allowing patrons to return overdue materials without penalty, while lost library cards can be replaced free of charge. Libraries across both northern and southern suburbs will host a wide range of programmes designed to inspire curiosity, encourage participation and deepen community connection.
For Social TV audiences, the launch of South African Library Week reflects the intersection of education, social capital and inclusive development — reinforcing how accessible knowledge ecosystems remain central to long-term social impact. Residents are encouraged to follow their local libraries on social media for programme updates and event schedules throughout the week.
