City libraries join marathon reading project

01 February 2021

The City of Cape Town’s libraries will celebrate words, books and stories on World Read Aloud Day (WRAD), Wednesday, 3 February 2021, when they join a national initiative to read to three million children. Annually, the day calls for global attention to reading out loud and telling stories.

This year, City libraries, along with Nal’ibali (the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign), authors, teachers and other organisations, will aim to read out loud to three million children.

Despite not being able to host the usual exciting events that libraries do on World Read Aloud Day, 102 City of Cape Town libraries are taking up the challenge and have pledged to read out loud either virtually or by going to crèches in the community to read stories following strict COVID-19 protocols.

LiBee the Library Mascot, who is absolutely buzzed about reading, has also pledged to read a story to her friend.

The event was established in 2010 by the non-profit organisation LitWorld and has grown to rally more than a million people actively participating in local events in more than 100 countries.

‘Reading is a fun way to learn about the world and broaden your horizon at a time when we cannot physically go wherever we please. Young children benefit immensely when they are read to and it boosts their literacy skills, helps them improve memory and concentration, and takes them places while they may be confined,’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Many libraries will be sharing their stories on their Facebook pages and you can join your local library and listen as they share either the Nal’ibali story, Fly, Eagle, Fly or their favourite stories online.

Rondebosch library will be uploading a story every two hours and ending off with a fun bedtime story at 18:00.

Residents are reminded that 87 libraries are open for browsing, so you can help Nal’ibali reach their target by making a pledge today and visiting your local library to pick up your favourite books to read aloud.

Staff at libraries will follow and enforce strict COVID-19 protocols, and it will remain the responsibility of every visitor to ensure their personal safety.

Patrons will be screened and will not be allowed inside if they fail the test. This is to ensure the safety of all patrons and staff.

All visitors are required to wear a mask, sanitise their hands and adhere to social distancing protocols.

Below is a list of libraries offering browsing, study space, SmartCape internet access and drop and collect services:

Libraries open for drop and collect, browsing, study access as well as SmartCape access:
Adriaanse, Athlone, Avondale, Belhar, Bellville South, Bishop Lavis. Brooklyn, Bothasig, Brackenfell, Bridgetown, Brown’s Farm, Camps Bay, Claremont, Central, Crossroads, Delft, Delft-South, Dunoon, Durbanville, Eersteriver, Eikendal, Elsies River, Fisantekraal, Fish Hoek, Grassy Park, Gugulethu, Hanover Park, Harare, Huguenot Square, Kensington, Koeberg, Kraaifontein, Kuyasa, Lansdowne, Langa, Leonsdale, Lotus River, Macassar, Maitland, Mamre, Manenberg, Masiphumelele, Meadowridge, Melton Rose, Milnerton, Moses Mabhida, Muizenberg, Nyanga, Ocean View, Ottery, Parow, Philippi East, Pinelands, Retreat, Rondebosch, Rylands, Colin Eglin Sea Point, Scottsdene, Simonstown, Southfield, Strandfontein, Strand, Suider-Strand, Table View, Mitchell’s Plain Town Centre, Valhalla Park, Vredehoek, Westridge, and Woodstock.

Libraries open for Drop and Collect only
Goodwood, Gordon’s Bay, Lentegeur, Kommetjie, Mowbray, Pelican Park Satellite, Plumstead, Rocklands, Somerset West and Weltevreden

Libraries open for Drop and Collect and browsing only
Edgemead, Khayelitsha Site B, Kulani, Masakhane and Tygervalley

Libraries open for Drop and Collect, browsing and SmartCape access
Lwandle/Hector Pietersen, Kloofstreet, Kuilsriver, PD Paulse, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Tokai and Wynberg

Libraries open for Drop and Collect, browsing and study access only
Bonteheuwel, Heideveld, Hout Bay and Nazeema Isaacs

Libraries open for Drop and Collect, Study and SmartCape access only
Hangberg, Mfuleni and Tafelsig

The following operating hours will apply:

Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00 and Saturday 09:00-12:00.
Loan period – 30 days
Renewal – one renewal for additional 30 days
Borrowing privileges – 20 items including five audio-visual items (CDs/DVDs)
No reservations or inter-library loans will be done at present

Patrons and visitors are requested to acquaint themselves with the capacity limits for each of the services by accessing the information on the Online Public Catalogue (OPAC) at https://opac.capetown.gov.za/client/en_US/a/

‘We are excited about being part of World Read Aloud Day as it builds into the future of our children and helps them build positive relationships with books. Reading increases in importance as they grow and I want to encourage parents and caregivers to help foster a love for books as it will stand them in good stead as they learn,’ said Councillor Badroodien

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office

Libraries