New Hangberg librarian invites community to celebrate Literacy Month

There is something infectious about Abongile Ndabazandile’s smile.

Since being appointed as the new librarian-in-charge at Hangberg Library in August, Ndabazandile has brought a fresh energy and warmth to a space that has always been at the heart of the community.

With Literacy Month now underway, she hopes to see even more residents walking through the library doors and discovering what their local library has to offer.

"The library has so much to offer, and everyone here at the library has worked so hard to give the community something really valuable, which is a functioning library packed with information," Ndabazandile said.

Celebrating the power of literacy

Literacy Month celebrations will take place on Tuesday, September 8, coinciding with International Literacy Day.

First proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966, International Literacy Day serves as a reminder of the importance of literacy and how reading and writing can open doors to education, opportunity and a better quality of life.

For Ndabazandile, that message is particularly important because Hangberg Library offers the community a place to learn, explore and connect — completely free of charge.

“We have such a beautiful library that we would like for everyone to see,” she said. “We have different books, internet, great programmes and all this for free — all you need is a card.”

Come in, get involved and discover

Hangberg Library will host several programmes throughout Literacy Month, with Ndabazandile encouraging residents of all ages to attend, participate and support the activities.

And if her bubbly personality is anything to go by, visitors can expect more than simply a quiet place filled with books.

Ndabazandile has a natural ability to light up a room with her smile, making people feel welcome and reminding us that a library is not only about what sits on its shelves — it is about the people who walk through its doors.

As Hangberg Library begins this new chapter under Ndabazandile's leadership, her message to the community is simple: come and see what is waiting for you.

Because sometimes, opening a book can be the beginning of opening an entirely new world.