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Author: Tarcia Eiman

  • From our shelves to the National Stage: Celebrating Linda Ntaka’s Librarian of the Year 2025 Award!

    As many of you know, here at Library & Information Services, we are incredibly fortunate to have a team of dedicated and passionate individuals. And recently, one such individual became a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and a genuine love for what you do. We are absolutely delighted to announce that our very own Linda Ntaka from Library and Information Services has been named the LIASA UKS Librarian of the Year 2025! This is an extraordinary achievement awarded annually at the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) conference, and it celebrates truly outstanding leadership and excellence within our profession.

    Each year, librarians from across our beautiful country are nominated for this prestigious accolade and to see Linda’s name selected is a moment of immense pride for all of us. It’s a testament to the remarkable contributions she’s made to the field. Linda’s career has been marked by a tireless commitment to advancing library services.

    From her impactful tenure as LIASA National Public Relations Officer (2020-2023) to her dynamic leadership as Area East Sub-Area Head overseeing nine libraries, Linda has consistently demonstrated a passion for making a difference. She is also a fervent advocate for creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone, continuing to champion child-friendly access and ensuring our libraries remain tariff-free and fine-free.

    Colleagues often affectionately describe her as a “human dynamo,” and I couldn’t agree more. Her boundless energy and unwavering professionalism have significantly elevated public library services not just here in Cape Town, but across the country. This award isn’t just a personal triumph for Linda, it’s a reflection of the high standards and innovative spirit we cultivate in the City’s Library & Information Services department. We are incredibly proud of her success and the positive impact it signifies for the library profession as a whole.

    Linda, on behalf of us all, a heartfelt congratulations! Your inspiring leadership continues to motivate us all to dream big and aim high!

    Tarcia Eiman

    Professional Officer

    Marketing & Communications

  • A room full of storytellers: What my first City of Cape Town Communicators forum taught me

    On a Wednesday morning in October, I found myself stepping into the Civic Centre’s banquet hall with equal parts excitement and curiosity. This wasn’t just another meeting in my calendar; I was attending the City’s first ever Communicators Forum. The forum brought together marketing and communications specialists from directorates across the City of Cape Town. For the first time, so many storytellers, strategists, designers, media minds and campaign crafters were gathered under one roof, ready to trade directorate insights, spark ideas and explore how we can elevate both our departmental brands and the City’s voice as a whole.

    From the moment Executive Director, Gareth Morgan opened the session, followed by Priya Reddy, Director of Communications, setting the tone for why this gathering truly mattered, I felt a shift. This wasn’t business as usual, it felt like the beginning of a new chapter. One where collaboration wasn’t just encouraged but could possibly become our greatest superpower.

    Throughout the morning, we heard insightful perspectives from different teams across Communications each offering a fresh lens on how we serve our residents and tell the City’s story:

    Luthando Tyhalibongo, Media Manager on how the Media Office works behind the scenes to keep the public informed and the City’s reputation protected.

    Amina Taylor, Production Support Officer on why brand consistency isn’t just design, it’s how we build trust, identity and recognition across the City.

    Vanessa Gagu, Campaigns Co-Ordinator on how to tell the story of the City through communication campaigns that resonate with residents.

    Sanelisiwe Ntabeni, Social Media Coordinator unpacked the complexities (and realities) of navigating social media in a fast-moving digital landscape.

    Justin Lawrence, Digital Communications Manager shared insights into the City’s digital presence and how we are evolving online as well as social media dos and don’ts.

    Aletta Kruger, Publications Manager closed with reflections on publications and the importance of storytelling in shaping how the City is experienced.

    Sitting in that room surrounded by communicators who bring passion and purpose to their work reminded me that even though our industry is constantly evolving, collaboration will always be at the heart of effective communication. I walked away with valuable learnings and fresh ideas that I’ll be sharing within our department because when we work together, our collective impact grows.

    What this means for libraries

    Our libraries are buzzing with activity every day. From hosting programmes, supporting communities and nurturing literacy to creating safe, innovative spaces where curiosity thrives. But often, these stories remain tucked inside our buildings like undiscovered treasures. That’s where we come in.

    If your library or unit has an upcoming programme or event, a video idea, a story worth telling, or even a small initiative that brought a smile to someone’s day please reach out to the M&C team! No initiative is too big or too small, if it matters to your community, it matters to us. A great example is the recent wedding album discovered at Strandfontein Library, where a couple was reunited with their long-lost wedding photos. So if something interesting unfolds when community members visit your library, snap a quick photo and send us a few lines about it — we’d love to share these moments!

    When you share what’s happening on the ground, we can help amplify it across platforms and shine a well-deserved spotlight on the vital and relevant role libraries play in the lives of our residents. With teamwork and shared ideas, we can continue elevating libraries as vibrant hubs of learning, belonging and innovation.

    Here’s to telling our stories, together.

    Tarcia Eiman

    Professional Officer

    Marketing & Communications

  • A Successful Day of Digital Discovery at the Mayor’s Market Day

    On Thursday, 27 November 2025, the Marketing and Communications team teamed up with the vibrant Central Library staff to bring our e-resources to life at the mayor’s annual Market Day and what a memorable activation it was.

    The Cape Town Civic Centre buzzed with energy as service providers from across Cape Town showcased their products and services. The festive spirit was undeniable with live entertainment and Christmas carols creating the perfect backdrop for a day of connection and discovery. Against this lively setting, our Central Library colleagues shone brightly as they engaged curious visitors, from members of the public to engaging with colleagues from other departments.

    What stood out most was the genuine excitement from passersby, with many stopping by to learn more. Majority simply scanned the QR code and downloaded the app immediately, while others expressed amazement at how easy it was to sign up online as a library member. The feedback was positive with people saying that they appreciated the convenience, accessibility and innovation our libraries now offer.

    Visitors didn’t just listen, they participated. They explored the PressReader and Libby apps at the stand, tested out features all while discovering new digital worlds at their fingertips. It was a powerful reminder of how far our digital footprint has come and how eager our communities are to embrace it. Thank you to the Central Library team for their enthusiasm, professionalism and unwavering commitment to showcasing LIS’s evolving digital offerings. You continue to set the tone for what collaborative activations can achieve.

    This year’s market day proved that the right location, the right energy and the right team can create magic. We connected with existing users, welcomed new ones and proudly demonstrated how our libraries are adapting in a digitally driven world.

    As we look to 2026, M&C hopes to invite even more libraries to join us. The activations are powerful platforms, moments where awareness meets action, where interest becomes membership and where our services truly shine. Let’s continue embracing every opportunity with the same enthusiasm and drive. Our libraries are evolving and together we are shaping a future where LIS is visible, accessible and celebrated in every corner of Cape Town.

    Tarcia Eiman

    Professional Officer
    Marketing & Communications