Libraries key to fixing SA’s reading crisis

Schools must make greater use of libraries if South Africa is to address the growing challenge of poor reading and limited vocabulary among learners, the CEO of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (Liasa), Charlie Molepo, said on Friday. Molepo was speaking at the launch of Library Week at Pietermaritzburg City Hall, where pupils and educators from schools across the Msunduzi municipality gathered to celebrate the role of libraries in education and community development. He said recent data showing that many pupils struggle to read for meaning is deeply concerning.

It is worrying that the latest data reveals that many school pupils are unable to read to understand. “Libraries have an important role to play in addressing this challenge and helping learners build stronger vocabulary and comprehension skills,” Molepo said. He urged schools to actively encourage learners to use libraries and reading spaces more frequently as part of their learning.

Molepo said libraries remain critical community resources that can support both formal education and lifelong learning. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Mtomuhle Khawula, who also attended the launch, said government is working closely with municipalities to ensure that libraries are properly maintained and used effectively. Khawula said improving access to libraries is part of broader efforts to strengthen education and reading culture among young people. “We are working hand in glove with municipalities to ensure that libraries are used efficiently and remain in a good state so that communities, especially learners, can benefit from them,” he said.