City Libraries mark World Book Day with 7,500 +reasons to read

23 April 2025

From taxi ranks to reading competitions, the City’s libraries are celebrating World Book and Copyright Day today with various activities and events. The theme ‘Read your Way’ aims to encourage everyone to get involved.

City libraries are hosting a series of events to mark World Book Day.

However, their efforts extend well beyond the covers of this international commemoration – libraries host hundreds of interventions quarterly, to promote literacy and a love of reading.

Between July 2024 and March 2025, libraries hosted:
• 6 136 storytelling sessions
• 640 reading programmes
• 796 book club meetups

‘These numbers underscore the determination of our Libraries and Information Services to get people hooked on books. Reading is a critical tool for learning and expanding our understanding of the world, and by improving literacy rates, we empower young and old. Libraries remain vital hubs for education and lifelong learning, and World Book Day serves as a reminder of their enduring role in strengthening communities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

Activities to commemorate World Book Day began last week and continue into this week, with libraries hosting a variety of events to engage learners, patrons and communities. 

Rocklands Library set the tone with their annual reading competition on 15 April that featured learners from local schools.

Other highlighted events included storytelling sessions, literacy outreach programme at the Bloekombos taxi rank, and a visit by an author at Parow Library.

The public is reminded that every day is a good day to read something, no matter their interest – and to check with their local library about the myriad events and activities that are hosted year-round.

For more information on the City’s libraries please visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Library%20and%20Information%20Services%20Department

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office