Different stakeholders, schools, ECDs and adults from Mapoteng and Siyathemba gathered to celebrate the National Book Week at Siyathemba hall.

The gathering shared their talents and experiences regarding books, reading, poetry and other genres of arts and culture. The main aim was to expose children to the wonderworld of books and to explore the tradition of telling stories which is not to be forgotten.

The programme entailed the telling stories of way back. An old lady was given a chance to share one of her old stories with the children.

Children were inspired to visit libraries more often and also to be exposed to reading books at an early age.

The Mayor of Gamagara, Edwin Hantise, was given a chance to read a book for the children and they were allowed to ask questions. The kids were overjoyed to have had this kind of opportunity.

In his keynote address Professor Oliphant emphasised the importance of reading. He said that a book is not only a medium that spreads information, rather it is an emotion that shares feelings with the reader.  

Lastly, the community was encouraged to use all the libraries situated in the Gamagara area, ie Kathu, Mapoteng, Deben, Olifantshoek and Siyathemba.