Official Invitation - National Committee South Africa

Dear Colleagues,

It is indeed an honour and privilege to welcome you to South Africa for the 81st IFLA General Conference and Assembly, which we see as an event of significance for the entire African continent!

The theme "Dynamic Libraries: Access, Development and Transformation" is of critical importance to strengthen democracy on a continent where libraries need to connect with civil society to demonstrate the value they add in eradicating poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and ignorance with special emphasis on early childhood development, youth services, women’s health and local economic development. It is our aim to ensure a robust and empowering experience for as many local and international librarians so that the impact of this international professional exchange will resonate for years to come.

South Africa has a rich history of libraries dating back to 1818, when the first South African Public Library was proclaimed by Lord Charles Somerset, "to place the means of knowledge within the reach of the youth of this remote corner of the globe." Although not remote anymore, this proclamation still holds true today! After 20 years of democracy, South African libraries are emerging as important partners to education and lifelong learning. In an effort to create dynamic libraries to facilitate access to information, enhance development and promote transformation, government continues to provide funding to build new libraries, redefinition of library spaces, services and facilities thereby deepening our young democracy.

Libraries have been selected to showcase their rich architecture, special collections and features of contemporary library spaces. During your visits to renowned university, national, special and public libraries, you will observe and experience local best practices and innovations; share your ideas with local librarians; and explore opportunities for collaboration so that the global library network expands.

This is also an invitation for you to sample the rich mosaic of South African history, thought, culture, food, wine, music and natural beauty encapsulated in the beautiful cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Popularly known as the Mother City, Cape Town is the 2014 World Design Capital and has been ranked as the top 2014 holiday destination by The Guardian and The New York Times.

Nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Cape Town and the Western Cape region is host to some of the most beautiful coastlines, wine-lands, gardens, natural landscapes and a variety of beautiful places. During August, the region is host to some of the finest food and wine festivals, and the Cape Floral Kingdom is abloom with hundreds of species of fynbos and wild flowers just waiting for you to explore and enjoy.

On behalf of the National Committee of the IFLA WLIC 2015 and the African library and information services community, we welcome you!

Ujala Satgoor	Segametsi Molawa
NC Chairperson LIASA President	NC Co-Chairperson LIASA President-Elect