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President Thabo Mbeki unveils a plaque for a new National Library building
16 July 2008
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Z Pallo Jordan will unveil the new home for the National Library of South Africa on 1 August 2008, in Pretoria. Three hundred million (R300 million) was spent on the new building which will seat 1 300 users at any one time.
Significantly, the 33 000 m² is 10 times more than the existing library. Also, its 14 700 m² of storage space will preserve the quality of the reading material, including newspapers dating back to the late 1800s. In fact, the climate control of 18 degrees Celsius and 50% humidity within the storage space will prevent deterioration of books.
This building was designed as a joint venture between Jeremie Malan Architects, Impendulo Architects and Gandhi Maseko Architects and implemented by the Department of Public Works.
Journalists are invited to attend.
Details of the events are as follows:
Date: 1 August 2008
Venue: National Library of South Africa, 228 Proes Street, Pretoria
Time: 10h00
Programme:
10h00: Programme Director - Professor Rocky Ralebipi-Simela, Chairperson: National Council for Library and Information Services
10h05: National Anthem - Ms Rachel More, President Elect: Library and Information Association of South Africa
10h10: Welcome - Professor Muxe Nkondo, Chairperson: National Library of South Africa Board
10h25: Congratulatory message - Dr Vartan Gregorian, President: Carnegie Corporation of New York
10h35: Congratulatory message - Mr Tommy Matthee, President: Library and Information Association of South Africa
10h45: Performance – Pretoria Serenaders
11h00: Inaugural address - Dr Z Pallo Jordan, Minister of Arts and Culture
11h30 Recognition Awards and acknowledgements - Ms Ellen Tise, President Elect: International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
11h45: Performance - Poetry
12h00: Vote of thanks - Mr John Tsebe, National Librarian.
12h30: Unveiling of the Plaque – Mr Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa
12h40: Closure
12h45: Performances to keep the guests busy while the President takes a tour of the Library with the Minister entourage
RSVPs and to arrange for accreditation:
Ms Mpho Matjele
Tel: 012 441 3489
Cell: 082 902 7238
Media enquiries:
Mack Lewele Communications Director
Cell: 082 450 5076
Tel: 012 441 30 83
Sandile Memela
Spokesperson for the Ministry
Cell: 082 800 3750
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
16 July 2008