Library philosophy vs. Apartheid legislation: Cape Town City Libraries: 1952-1972

Abstract

This presentation investigates the history and development of the Cape Town City Libraries (CTCL) from 1952-1972 and examines the effect of apartheid legislation on establishing a public library system. Legislation introduced by the National Party enforced segregation and applied censorship which brought CTCL into conflict with library philosophy. This legislation determined who the CTCL could serve, where they could serve them and what they could serve.