The 2021 SA Library Week “Libraries Matter” Competition was a blast!

The theme for this year’s LIASA South African Library Week was “Libraries Matter”. So, through our social media channels, we asked our patrons to tell us why libraries matter to them. We received several responses from users on both Facebook and Instagram celebrating just about every element of our libraries, from the incredible collections and cosy nooks, to our institutional diversity and, of course, Libby. 

Two of the commenters won goodie bags filled with great UP merchandise. 

First prize went to Jan Ndlovu, who wrote the following wonderful poem to our library on Instagram:

Here is a poem to elaborate the elusive feeling I have for UP library. 

Lady, Merensky 2 Library

Campus knows you as its’ heart

Birds, find you as comfortable to lay nests art

We found you as a string that pulls dreams’ cart

So we keep our slogan high, fly@UP like a dart

I found you as a living amazon rainforest

You keep mysteries to rest in books for our minds

Shelves and wood furniture stand flawless, like trees bearing books

Ooze of page scent you breathe left space nourished

Lady, you give me peace and excitement

Sometimes I call you dear as if I am thesaurus,

Like a book I want to be shelved amongst the great

You always been clear and real to me

If you were incarnate, I would say you are Libby

For interactive help you gave and loving friend you are

Like Librarians and cleaners do

Gave me feeling of Security from your door

If it wasn’t events and meetings,

that boasted my bars when I felt down, I would still be low

Assisted with computers, so I could camouflage amongst others

Like a chameleon, you gave me student life

Your walls are spread with art and flags

Reminds us you welcome every tongue and nation,

I salute you as you saluted my race, culture, and religion

That’s a UP way, your culture way. #uplibrary #SALW #LIASA#salw2021

Second prize went to Starling de Bruin, who left this lovely tribute to the UP Library on Facebook:

Libraries matter because they're a quiet haven away from busy university days. A comforting place to get away from all the overwhelming academics where I can gather my thoughts and study at my own pace. They definitely matter because of all the knowledge they have in one place, every kind of book one could need, and even if the library doesn't have a specific book, they can always get it for us ❤ and, on top of all that, libraries matter because of the amazing staff who work there who are always willing to assist everyone who needs some help.