Future-proofing SA’s libraries for the digital age

Scores oflibraryusers, students, leaders, researchers, librarians, ICT professionals, policymakers, funders and community leaders from across SA are set to descend on KuGompo City for a three-day Libraries of the Future Expo. Starting on Monday, the event, which coincides with South African Library Week, is aimed at reimagining the role oflibrariesin a rapidly evolving digital society. Held under the theme “Reclaiming Knowledge, Empowering Futures”, the expo has been billed as a bold, future-focused platform positioning libraries as inclusive digital gateways, custodians of heritage and engines of lifelong learning.

Department spokespersonAndile Ndunasaid libraries remained one of the most powerful equalizers in society. Through the expo, the department is demonstrating that “modern libraries are no longer just shelves of books — they are dynamic digital hubs that connect communities to knowledge, opportunity and innovation”. “As the Eastern Cape, we are deliberately investing in libraries as gateways to information, skills development and economic participation, ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age,” Nduna said.

“The Libraries of the Future Expo represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to reposition libraries as dynamic centres of knowledge, innovation and community empowerment,” Nduna said. “For the Eastern Cape, libraries are not simply repositories of books, but critical public institutions that enable equitable access to information, technology and learning opportunities. “At a time when the world is rapidly transitioning into a digital and knowledge-based economy, it is essential that our communities — particularly young people, students, researchers and entrepreneurs — are able to access modern library services that support education, creativity and economic participation,” Nduna said. He said the expo would bring together a range of participants across the knowledge ecosystem, including librarians, academics, ICT specialists, policymakers and development partners, to collectively explore how libraries could evolve to meet the needs of present and future generations.