Library displays reach out

MANY think that the only things on display at a library are books.

However, the inner workings of the library can be something of a mystery, especially if you don’t have a chance to visit that often.

Gwyneth Perry, a senior librarian at Weltevreden Park Library, says her recent “Spring Day” display has been “no easy task in creating, it involves a certain amount of research and organisation while still being creative”.

“The displays are a major attraction to adults and children alike and apart from being informative, they add to the general welcoming ambiance of the library.”

Displays play an important role in the success of a library’s outreach to the community because they help educate the public.

Maryna Moolman, the operations manager of Library and Information Services (LIS) in the City of Johannesburg, says library displays help develop communities.

“When we put together collections for display, we do this to inform our community about special events and celebrations occurring in a given month and to promote programmes we have coming up.

“Our libraries create effective visual displays that stimulate public interest to visit public libraries. This has become a wonderful marketing and outreach tool in enhancing community participation, involvement and social cohesion,” says Moolman.

The director of LIS, Nobuntu Mpendulo, says she is pleased about the work done by libraries in Johannesburg.

“Our library officials use their creative talent to put up informative and colourful thematic displays on a monthly basis that promote the importance of books, reading and lifelong learning.”

Mpendulo adds that displays draw attention to new books, special collections, under-circulated titles, and services that are offered within the library that often go unnoticed by patrons who come in for a specific title or are searching for specific information.

Displays are an integral aspect of public library work. For more information, follow the Facebook handle: @JoburgLibraries or use the link: https://www.facebook. com/JoburgLibraries/