#Libraryselfie: changing narratives about libraries and reading culture through social media
The Goethe-Institut and Library Aid Africa encourage African social media users to create awareness about the importance of libraries as spaces for reading and learning.
Over the years, social media has been an interactive platform to engage people, advocate for change, promote a cause and mobilise community-led initiatives.
Changing the narratives about libraries in African countries, #libraryselfie uses social media to create awareness about the importance of libraries as spaces for reading and learning. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has grown and reached participation across eight African countries. Leveraging digital technology, the project drives awareness about the importance of libraries and reading. Through its work, the project encourages people to become library advocates across Africa and championing courses towards community library development in their hometowns.
This year, #libraryselfie2021 will commence in grand new style, engaging young people across eight African countries, namely: South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Tanzania, through an Open Call for librayselfies. Between June 14 and July 17, 2021, participants will take a selfie in any library or while reading at home and upload it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #libraryselfie2021, tag @LibraryAidAfrica and their location (city and country).
The three participants with the highest likes in each country will be rewarded with reading tablets, books, goodie bags and access to the Goethe-Institut’s e-library. Additionally, the 1st Position gets a €200 grant to implement a mini-library project targeted at promoting reading culture, literary or arts in their country.
Stefanie Kastner, Regional Head of Information at the Goethe-Institut South Africa, says: “Through our network of Goethe-Institutes around the world, each with their own libraries, we have consistently supported reading culture and libraries as important spaces for society. Our collaboration with Library Aid Africa for #libraryselfie is therefore a logical continuation of our work and we cannot wait to see all the great selfies coming in!”
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