Malangeni — The new Malangeni Library, currently under construction, is to soon empower residents in KwaZulu-Natal with vast knowledge and computer skills among other things.

Addressing the media on Tuesday during a visit to the construction site, MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism Weziwe Thusi said once the library was completed, residents would be able to improve their knowledge and receive computer training.

The department has budgeted R9 million for the Malangeni Library building which is expected to be completed by May 2009.

MEC Thusi said the library would save the residents time and money as they would not have to travel long distances to access the internet.

The library, she said, would not only have books, magazines and newspapers, but would also be equipped with state-of-the-art computers and cyber cadets, to assist community members with navigating through the library, using the latest technology.

The primary objective of the services, the MEC said, was to provide a library and information service which was free, equitable and readily accessible, to provide for the information, reading and learning needs of people.

"Most of all, it is to promote a culture of reading, library usage and life long learning while archives is about the acquisition, preservation and documentation of public and non public records, which are of provincial significance. Archives also provides for proper records managements," said Ms Thusi.

She said her department was committed to make sure that there is a library available in all the regions of the province without leaving behind the rural areas.

This is in line with the global trend of using Information and Communication Technology to empower the provincial communities.