Namakwa District libraries are urging communities to make greater use of local libraries as South Africa marks National Book Week during the first week of September.

This year’s National Book Week theme, “The Books of Our Lives,” highlights the role books can play throughout people’s lives.

The campaign aims to promote a culture of reading, with statistics indicating that only 14 percent of South Africans are active book readers, while just five percent of parents read to their children.

Regional Library Organiser Bertie Saal says literacy and reading remain important in developing communities and encourages residents to make use of the books, information and other resources available at local libraries.

Saal says libraries can play an important role in encouraging children and adults to develop a lasting interest in reading.