Kirkwood Public Library in Nqweba (formerly Kirkwood) has been named this year’s winner of the prestigious LIASA-Ndende Public/Community Library of the Year Award at the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) 2025 Conference.
The library was selected as the national winner from three outstanding nominees: Kirkwood Public Library (Eastern Cape), Bakgoma Public Library (Limpopo), and Zamdela Public Library (Free State). This recognition reflects the innovative work of Kirkwood Library and demonstrates what is possible when public service is rooted in passion, inclusivity, and purpose, even in rural and under-resourced settings.
The conference highlighted the vital role libraries play in driving innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and empowering diverse communities across the country.
Kirkwood Library was honoured for its outstanding contribution to championing technological innovation, including the integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) tools within the library and information services sector.
The municipality is very proud of this achievement. Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM) Mayor Solethu Lucas said, “Kirkwood Public Library stands out owing to its exceptional innovation, community-driven approach, and unwavering staff commitment, despite operating with limited resources. The staff often use their personal devices and borrow tablets from colleagues within the municipality to support learners entering national competitions. Their commitment to national programmes and digital transformation has never failed.”
He added that what sets them apart is that the library has become a hub for technology, community partnerships, and community-based innovation, playing a vital role in addressing local challenges with practical solutions.
Prioritising libraries in the digital era, Lucas said, “Libraries are and remain a foundation of community development in the Sundays River Valley Municipality. Kirkwood Library, like others in our municipality, provides essential services that many residents cannot afford on their own. These include photocopying and printing, lifelong learning opportunities, digital skills training, job-seeking support, and access to e-government platforms like online ID applications.”
Regarding how this national recognition will align with the municipality’s broader digital transformation strategy, he said the award validates SRVM’s broader strategy of inclusive digital transformation, prioritising the community they serve. “It affirms that our municipality’s vision to modernise public services through innovation, especially in rural areas, is both achievable and impactful.”
He added, “The recognition of Kirkwood Library sends a clear message: that even municipalities with modest resources can lead in digital innovation if they prioritise people, partnerships, and long-term development. Our commitment to creating smart libraries, supporting e-learning, and building digital skills is central to how we plan to empower citizens and future-proof public services in the Sundays River Valley.”
Beyond the technology aspect, Lucas shared the measurable impact the municipality has seen since implementing these innovations. “The results have been transformative. One of the most notable impacts is the increased digital confidence amongst learners and youth, many of whom previously struggled with even basic computer skills.”
He added that thanks to consistent exposure at the library, many are now conducting online research and submitting assignments digitally after participating in national online competitions like the MobiReadathon Digital Reading Competition. “Kirkwood Library has also seen a significant rise in digital engagement, with a notable increase in eBook circulation, ranking in the top three and being recognised by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (District).
“The library has become a central point for community engagement, with programmes supporting unemployed youth and school dropouts, especially in agricultural training such as citrus production that aligns with the local economy. This is achieved through a MOU with Sundays River Valley Collaborative, which is assisting with computers, networking equipment, furniture, and related materials.
This will be piloted in two libraries: Kirkwood Public Library and Lungephi April Public Library. These initiatives demonstrate how libraries can actively contribute to local skills development and economic empowerment.
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