National Library of South Africa (NLSA)

11/06/2026

Call for abstracts!

IFLA - International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

Quick Reminder: Call for Abstracts Still Open!

The Call for Abstracts for Posters, Papers, and Ignite Talks for the 7th AfLIA Conference & 9th African Library Summit is still open! Join us in Livingstone, Zambia, in May 2027 as we explore the theme: "Intelligent and Resilient Libraries for Inclusive Knowledge and Sustainable Development in Africa."

Submission deadlines are gradually approaching, and we are eager to receive innovative and thought-provoking abstracts from across Africa and beyond. Find more details and submission guidelines via the link attached.
https://web.aflia.net/call-for-abstracts-7th-aflia-conference-9th-africa-library-summit-aflia-conference/

11/06/2026

Counting down the hours....
The National Library of South Africa proudly joins the nation in cohesion as Bafana Bafana plays against Mexico on the first official game day for the Fifa World Cup 2026!

🇿🇦⚽ SOUTH AFRICA, THE DAY HAS ARRIVED — IT'S GAME ON!

The wait is over. The world's biggest football spectacle kicks off.

Today, millions of South Africans stand united behind as they take on Mexico, carrying the hopes, pride, and dreams of a nation. 🇿🇦🔥

📺 Catch the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony Live on SABC 1 & SABC 3
📲 Stream on SABC Plus
📻 Follow the action on your favourite SABC Radio Stations

All the best 💚💛

11/06/2026

Last call for all Publishers wanting to join the DSAC Publishing Hub initiative!

11/06/2026

On Thursday, 4 June 2026 the NLSA hosted World Play Day at our Centre for the Book situated in Queen Victoria street, Cape Town.

What is World Play Day you may ask?
World Play Day is an international celebration dedicated to highlighting the critical importance of play within child development, education, and well-being.

The day comprised of storytelling, educational games, creative learning, movement activities, and imagination of which through all mentioned activities, World Play Day proved to be greatly enjoyed by all who participated in the programme, young and old!

As part of the programme, young learners were exposed to and explored different activity stations learning through play, discovering new ideas, whilst enjoying meaningful interactions with facilitators and each other, all at the same time.

World Play Day serves as a reminder to everyone that play serves as an important part of childhood development. The smiles, laughter, and excitement experienced throughout the day reflected the power and impact of jubilant learning.

For more information on Early Childhood Development please contact our Centre for the Book:
Ms. Phakama Matoti- [email protected]

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture

11/06/2026

Our Cape Town Campus was pleased to host the pre-event dialogue for the State of the Youth Address (SOYA), where participants engaged in discussions on memory, belonging, and heritage as part of commemorating Youth Month.

Following the dialogue, attendees enjoyed a guided tour of our 'Stories Around the Fire' exhibition, exploring the connections between history, identity, and community.

To view the State of the Youth Address, click on the link below:
https://www.stateoftheyouthaddress.com/

To book your free guided tour of our 'Stories around the Fire' exhibition kindly email us on [email protected].

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture

09/06/2026

Today's throwback comes from the Drum Magazine of 1976 highlighting the June 16 Soweto Uprising.
The Soweto Uprising was a student-led protest that began on June 16, 1976, where scholars rallied against the apartheid government's mandate to use Afrikaans for the prime medium of instruction within schools. What was planned to be a peaceful march turned into a massive bloodbath between young learners and the apartheid police force.

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Photo credit: NLSA Newspaper Collections

08/06/2026

And that's a wrap!
The Pretoria hub to the launch of the South African Reading Ambassadors Programme done and dusted!
Thank you to UNISA Book Club and Library Services for being part of today's proceedings.

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
South African Government
Unisa Library
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

08/06/2026

'It's not where you come from, it is what you do ultimately with what you get!'- Bernado Maralack, NLSA Board Chairperson

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
South African Government
Unisa Library
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

08/06/2026

As South Africa commemorates "50 years since the Soweto Uprising", the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), in collaboration with the Library of Parliament, proudly launches the South African Reading Ambassadors Programme at the Good Hope Chamber, Parliament of South Africa.

The launch includes the official Reading Ambassadors Pledge, reaffirming our collective commitment to promoting reading, literacy, and lifelong learning as powerful tools for empowerment and nation-building.

Together, we honour the legacy of the youth of 1976 and build a nation of readers.

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
South African Government
Unisa Library
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

"Read. Learn. Empower"