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The National Library of SA (NLSA) has some of the
rarest, oldest books ever printed on display as part of
its 200th anniversary celebrations. Treasures
detailing the life and culture of times gone by can be
found in plain sight at the NLSA. The establishment is
home to many historical gems, which are currently on
exhibition to commemorate the NLSA¡¦s 200th anniversary.
The NLSA is the oldest library and public institution of
any kind in the country and its anniversary exhibition,
titled: ¡§Treasure House of Knowledge", was curated to
honour the grande dame, showcasing 300 of the
institute's greatest national treasures for the public
to enjoy.
Works on display include a 10th century illuminated
gospel book, with hand-painted illustrations, and
Solomon T Plaatje¡¦s translation of Julius Caesar
into Tswana. These are some of the two million items in
the library.
A letter written by Olive Schreiner to Mahatma Gandhi
during a time of turbulence in South Africa is also a
treasure on display.
The library was established on 20 March 1818 as a result
of the Governor of the Cape, Lord Charles Somerset,
introducing a special tax on wine to help set up the
institution. At this stage, it was known as the South
African Public Library.
¡V Source:
www.iol.co.za |
