MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The D'Almeida and Mossel Bay libraries were recently recognised at a provincial level in five different categories for their exceptional service and community projects.
The two libraries received runner-up honours at the Western Cape Cultural Affairs Awards in September.
D'Almeida was awarded runner-up honours in two categories: digital literacy excellence and climate in action.
The Mossel Bay Municipality said on its Facebook page that the digital literacy excellence award was in recognition of its Libby App School Outreach Initiative. It said this introduced learners at local schools to the free digital library app where members can use their library cards to borrow e-books, audiobooks and magazines.
"The outreach initiative resulted in increased Libby App membership and significant growth in digital circulation," said the municipality.
The climate in action award was for the library's community-focused recycling initiative that promotes waste reduction and responsible environmental practices.
"The library is leading by example and hopes that the programme can eventually be extended to other libraries throughout the Mossel Bay municipal area," the municipality said.
Mossel Bay Library was the runner-up in three categories.
It was the runner-up for the public library of the year award, with first place going to Hermanus Library.
"Mossel Bay Library was recognised for exceptional service, innovation and community engagement. By providing equitable access to information, literacy, technology and lifelong learning, the library continues to serve as a welcoming and inclusive community hub," said the municipality.
It was also named the runner-up in the reading and literacy excellence category for the programmes the library runs to engage children, families, educators and community members from diverse backgrounds while making reading and learning enjoyable and accessible.
The third category was digital literacy and innovation, awarded for the access it gives the community to technology, internet use, email communication, online safety, practical computer skills and educational resources.
"These achievements demonstrate that libraries are about far more than books. They are spaces where people can learn, connect, explore technology and develop skills for the future," the municipality said.
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