Teach kids to read, write and enjoy music by example

HAVING just celebrated South African Library Week 2017, we’ve noticed parents and others trying to get children to read again.

The best way for adults, who are seen as role models, to teach and encourage children to read and write is by example.

However, the universal message of this week was to highlight that reading at “Your Library” or “My Library” broadens one’s knowledge.

Knowledge is power and the best way to acquire knowledge and power is to develop an interest in seeking information.

There are various types of libraries such as public, university, and libraries for people with special needs and disabilities.

With this being the 21st century we also have virtual and online libraries, and digitally scanned books in libraries, play a significant role in making information available.

The advantage of frequenting your local library is that the librarian would get to know you and your reading preferences and connect you to others who might have a similar interests.

Google is able to provide you with just about any information you require, but a librarian is almost guaranteed to provide you with the most relevant information in its context.

As a librarian at UKZN’S Special Collections, my mandate is to focus on the preservation and conservation of our heritage research resources, and documentary evidence of our history including our genealogy.

So I understand the importance and significance of historically written documents and publications as the information is tangible and verifiable in our libraries archives and special collections.

Tertiary education is researchbased; hence it is in the interest of the child to develop reading and research skills at grass-roots level. Librarians are trained to provide this service.

During my visit to the International Federation of Library Associations Conference in Geneva, Switzerland I was intrigued that library books were made available at bus stops and train stations and the shopping malls had lounge areas set in their broad aisles with tastefully designed and laid out coffee shops, where you could sit down with your shopping, pick up a book, relax, and read.

It was amazing to see the little ones with their mothers quietly engaged in reading or colouring or just taking a nap on mom’s lap.

In California, the city board walks have park benches and beautiful hanging potted plants, with little books, and magazine shops and stands, which provide material for reading spaces.

In Dubai parks and recreational facilities are set in courtyards surrounded by highrise buildings, which create a brilliant atmosphere for young and old to meet and engage in recreational activities, like reading.

I would like to urge the city officials and shopping mall managers to create similar environments conducive to reading and other community recreational activities.

Along with reading, children should also be encouraged to listen to good music and engage in sport and recreational activities for balanced development and for their overall well-being.

In the eighties my car had a selection of nursery rhymes on audio cassettes and the journey to and from school was sing-along time.

Back in the day when the postal service was prompt, the monthly delivery of Dr Seuss was a wonderful thrill.

Instead of building more libraries, I think mobile libraries should be introduced to meet the needs of communities away from the cities.

Libraries can also play a vital role in assisting do-it yourself enthusiasts to expand and develop their interests and possibly turn them into business opportunities.

• Somers is a senior conservation officer in the EG Malherbe Library based at the University of KZN’S Howard College Campus, Durban.