Cape Town: The Library and Information Services of the City of Cape Town has welcomed 23 new emerging library leaders and celebrated South African Librarians Day on Friday, July 10, 2026. This year marks the fifth commemoration of the programme that has empowered 80 City librarians and helped them in building the leadership skills and practical tools needed to strengthen the public library services.
The group of librarians has completed the Strengthening Innovation Library Leaders (SILL) training programme, currently observing the fifth edition. Till now the programme has empowered 80 librarians, equipping them to develop their leadership potential and advance their professional journeys.
Related training sessions took place during May and June 2026 and concluded with the official graduation ceremony, that coincided with South African Librarians Day.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that she would like to applaud the librarians for their commitment to continue learning and professional development to deepen their impact on the communities they serve.
At a time of rapidly changing digital landscapes, their commitment to learn new skills is highly commendable. The Community Services and Health team is expanding their own expertise, by ensuring that their library users have access to the highest standard of guidance and information literacy. Higham thanked all for the vital role they have played.
The programme was developed by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois Library with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is designed especially for professional librarians who are currently working within LIS and serving as foundational leadership training, by providing participants with the skills, tools and confidence needed to grow as future library leaders.
This featured team interactions, practical experience in identifying problems, understanding user needs, generating innovative ideas, by adapting their communication approach, planning, implementing, adapting and reporting on library activities and effective networking skills.
A standout success story ‘Sipho Fako’ from the Wynberg Library, embraced the challenge of professional growth by volunteering to present a lightning talk at the National LIASA Conference in October 2026. This reflected the confidence and leadership potential that the SILL programme seeks to cultivate.
Another graduate is Randal Rousseau, who is a general librarian at Valhalla Park Library. He is exploring innovative ways of using technology, especially the artificial intelligence, in order to enhance library services, improve operational efficiency and expand learning opportunities for patrons.
The project has helped in making library services more innovative, responsive and relevant to community needs.
Cllr Francine Higham further stated that the theme for the graduation is Future-Fit Librarians and recognises their commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and leadership. The City of Cape Town can equip the librarians to lead with SILL, adapt and respond to the needs of their communities.