Cape Town’s city librarians took to the streets in a colourful road march through the city centre this week, officially launching South African Library Week (SALW) and reaffirming the vital role libraries continue to play in community life.
The annual march, now a well-established tradition on the City’s library calendar, marked the beginning of South African Library Week taking place from 15 to 22 March 2026. Librarians from across Cape Town participated in the event, celebrating reading, learning and access to information while engaging the public in the importance of library services.
What began more than a decade ago as a small initiative by the Central Library has evolved into a city-wide celebration of literacy and community engagement. In 2014, the library organised the first road march through the streets of Cape Town as a way of promoting reading and raising awareness about the value of libraries. The initiative quickly gained momentum and, by 2017, the City’s Library and Information Services Department officially adopted the march as a departmental event.
This year marks the ninth annual road march, highlighting a continued commitment to literacy, access to knowledge and the strengthening of community connections.
The 2026 theme, Reclaiming Knowledge, Empowering Futures, places a strong emphasis on digital inclusion, the preservation of indigenous knowledge and fostering innovation within communities. Throughout the week, libraries across Cape Town will showcase their evolving role as modern knowledge hubs, offering access to books, digital resources and learning opportunities.
Residents can explore a range of digital platforms available through libraries, including services such as PressReader and Libby, while also benefiting from free internet access and a wide selection of educational resources. Beyond books, libraries continue to serve as safe and welcoming community spaces that promote social cohesion and encourage lifelong learning.
South African Library Week, initiated by the Library and Information Association of South Africa, is designed to promote the importance of libraries and literacy across the country. The week also coincides with Human Rights Day on 21 March, reinforcing the constitutional right of access to information and the role libraries play in supporting an informed and empowered society.
Adding further incentive for residents to reconnect with their local libraries, the City is also hosting a Fine-Free Week. Patrons are encouraged to return overdue books without penalty and can obtain replacement library cards free of charge.
Libraries across Cape Town’s northern and southern suburbs will host a variety of events and programmes throughout the week, offering opportunities for residents of all ages to engage with reading, technology and community-driven learning initiatives.
