South African Library Week (SALW) 2026
Join us in celebrating South African Library Week under the theme "Reclaiming Knowledge, Empowering Futures" from 16–22 March 2026.
Programme Highlights
🔄📚 Library Amnesty Week
Have an overdue library book quietly hiding on your shelf or desk? This is the perfect time to bring it back home.
During this period, all overdue library materials can be returned with fines waived - no penalties, no awkward explanations. This initiative helps return valuable resources to circulation while giving everyone a fresh start with the library.
No judgement. No fines. Just bring the book back.
📖👥 Book Club - You're invited
Registration: LIS Book Club Launch - 19 March 2026
In celebration of South African Library Week, the NWU LIS, in collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, warmly invites you to the official launch of the Book Club. A new chapter begins - be part of the story. Join us as we open a new chapter by creating a space where stories inspire dialogue, spark growth, and connect readers meaningfully.
🏛️📚 Faculty Pop-Up Libraries
We will be bringing the library closer to you through Faculty Pop-Up Libraries across campuses. Visit our pop-up stations to discover key resources, explore services, and connect with your librarians right where you are.
Knowledge. Access. Support - right at your faculty.
🤖🏆 Library Life in 60 Seconds Challenge
Show us your library experience and stand a chance to win your share in Takealot vouchers!
Create a short, creative video (max 60 seconds) showing how you experience the NWU libraries - whether it's engaging with our library staff, interacting with our triplet robots Lexi, Labone & Sebueng, using our spaces , facilities, or resources, or enjoying your favourite chill spot.
Study here. Discover here. Chill here.
🤖 Use the triplets. Engage the experts. Use our spaces and resources.
Your library. Your vibe. Your moment.
Share your video on social media, and tag NWU Libraries.
🔗 Access our social media pages: https://library.nwu.ac.za/social-media
Deadline: 31 March 2026
For more information, contact Dina Mashiyane at dina.mashiyane@nwu.ac.za or +27(0)18 299 2788.
Campus Specific Events
Events taking place across the NWU Library campuses
Mahikeng Events
16 March
- Mini display of books, photo booth & quizzes
17 March
- Pop-up Library: School for Agriculture
18 March
- Mascot visit
- CTL & Student Chapter & Career centre to display their services
- Radio interview
- Redbull event
19 March
- Mini session on library services
- Showcase eBooks & audio books demonstration
- Have a Meet your Librarian session
20 March
- Visit Mafikeng Municipality Libraries
Contact: Maphefo.Maake@nwu.ac.za
Potchefstroom Events
17 March
- Pop-up Library: Faculty of Law, Building F5, Room 120 from 08h30-15h00
18 March
- Pop-up Library: Faculty of Humanities, Building F20, Room G11 from 09h00-12h00
- Pop-up Library: Faculty of Health, Building G20 from 12h00-14h00
CTL & Student Chapter & Career centre to display their services
Branches
- Our branch libraries will feature curated book displays located in various areas throughout the library spaces. These displays highlight selected titles and invite visitors to explore new reads and discover resources available in the collection. 📚✨
Contact: Kgasane.Seemela@nwu.ac.za
Vanderbijlpark Events
16 March: 11h00-14h00 - Student Centre
- Pop-up Library: Leisure reading materials (e.g., novels) and African languages books
17 March: 09h00–12h00 - EMS Faculty A7
- Pop-up Library: Subject-related books from our collection
18 March: 09h00–12h00 - Optentia Research Unit
- Pop-up Library: Subject-related books from our collection
19 March: 09h00–15h00 - Library Building A14
- Pop-up Library: Leisure reading materials (e.g., novels) and African languages books
20 March: Evening - Student Residences – Bohlale, Moahi, and Ebukhosini
- Leisure reading materials
Visit Mafikeng Municipality Libraries
Contact: Maropene.Ramabina@nwu.ac.za