To empower individual libraries and to highlight the programmes initiated by libraries for the benefit of their communities, Sabinet Chairperson’s Fund held a Metro Communities Library Competition from 01 April 2008 – 30 March 2009. Community libraries from Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and City of Johannesburg were requested to participate.The criteria for the judging:

• to provide a brief description of the library
• advise on outreach programmes initiated by the library
• outcome of the programmes e.g. statistics, newspaper clips and photos
• involvement of the friends of the library or user committee
• strategies on how the library is marketed
• motivation on how the prize money will be spent

Judging:The initial judging was done by each co-ordinator of the metro and the following entries were submitted for the final judging.Tshwane:Mamelodi West, Waverley, Glenstantia and East Lynne librariesCity of Johannesburg:Lenasia South, Emdeni and Eldorado Park libraries.Ekurhuleni:Palmridge, Edenvale, Geluksdal and Tembisa West libraries

JUDGES


Mr Narios Mpholefole (NLSA), Dr Martie van Deventer (CSIR),Ms Wendy Sibeko (Gauteng Libraries) and observer Ms Connie Sibiya (Sabinet).

The judges then set off to visit each of the libraries mentioned above for final evaluation. After much deliberation, the winners were chosen. The awards ceremony took place at the Sabinet offices on Wednesday, 10 June.

Top library executives from the various metros, library co-ordinators, librarians, judges and Sabinet management attended the function. Narios Mpholefole was the MC, Wendy Sibeko shared her experience as a judge, Ros Hattingh, new MD of Sabinet did the honours and the vote of thanks was conveyed by Gerhard Kemp (outgoing MD).

In their speeches, both Ros and Gerhard reiterated how important and passionate we all are at Sabinet in developing the communities. Regional winners received R5000,00 each which is to be used for the development of the library and is not for personal use: Tshwane – Waverley Library City of Johannesburg – Eldorado Park Ekurhuleni – Tembisa West. The overall winner was Waverley Library, who received an additional R5000,00.

When asked what he would do with the prize money, Sam Cooper from Waverley Library replied that he is thinking of investing in children – would be interesting to see what he has planned!

Entries on Display

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Competition Participants

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Regional Winners

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Overall Winner – Proud Sam Cooper from Waverley Library.

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Sabinet Chairperson’s Fund Committee– Gerhard Kemp, Connie Sibiya, Ros Hattingh, Shamila Duncan, Pierre Malan, Sanet Vos, Irene Späth with overall winner Sam Cooper from Waverley Library.