Delft Library won the award for ‘Substantial contribution towards the development and advancement of digital literacy’.
The library’s Gaming Programme offers younger patrons a chance to play video games after reading or doing homework, keeping them away from the streets.
‘The initiative increased library usage, attracted young people to become and remain active library users and has created a renewed culture of reading. More importantly it has mitigated the risk of our children being exposed to anti-social behaviour,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
A number of other libraries run similar programmes encouraging reading and rewarding young users with tech time.
‘I am incredibly proud of the hard work being done by our librarians and their commitment to ensure our young people are educated, informed and have as many resources available to them as possible. They all deserve awards and I applaud their devotion to the communities they serve,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
In addition, the Friends of the Edgemead Library won the Friends of the Public Library category.
The group was established in 1999 and is a registered NPO involving the local community in cultural activities aimed at uplifting the library.
