Nelisiwe Manqele, a librarian at the National Library of South Africa, shines with a passion for literature and the transformative power of reading.
Pretoria, South Africa (07 February 2025) – Shining bright as a proud librarian who advocates for literature and the endless benefits of reading, you would never say that Nelisiwe Manqele had struggled with reading while growing up.
Today, a National Library of South Africa (NLSA) Librarian, Nelisiwe’s face lights up as she shares how her love for reading began as a challenge, reading 10 pages of a book daily to help improve her literacy levels.
“I never looked back. So, I take books now as my best friends,” she laughs.
Her inspiring story aligns perfectly with the recent World Read Aloud Day (February 5, 2025) celebrations.
This annual event highlights the importance of reading aloud, encouraging children and adults alike to share stories and connect through the spoken word – a practice Nelisiwe and the NLSA strongly advocate for.
“There’s just something about getting lost in a good book. It challenges my thoughts and my assumptions. I also get to connect with people through time and space,” Nelisiwe reflects.
For Nelisiwe, reading is more than just a personal pleasure. It’s a powerful tool for empowerment. As a librarian, she facilitates access to information, helping people of all ages discover the joys and benefits of reading. Her work plays a vital role in addressing South Africa’s literacy challenges, a contribution that deserves recognition in our increasingly digital world.
“Being a librarian is more than just a profession, it’s a calling,” she adds.
Sources: National Library of South Africa
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