Toy libraries reach more than 11 000 children as City celebrates World Play Day

27 May 2026

The City’s libraries launched World Play Day at the Retreat Library, celebrating not only children’s right to play but also advocating for unstructured play as a vital tool for cognitive, physical, and mental health.

World Play Day is celebrated annually on 28 May.

Currently, 24 City libraries provide educational toys, resources and guided play experiences to support both formal and informal Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.

Through a partnership between the City’s Library and Information Services and the Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD), the ECD Resource Libraries deliver these services through visits to the library, as well as outreach programmes where librarians bring themed resources directly to ECD sites.

The libraries provide children with a rich and engaging treasure trove of learning materials, nurturing curiosity and helping to build a lifelong love for learning through play.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, nearly 9 977 children participated in 472 play-based sessions, with that number increasing to 11 395 children between July 2025 and April 2026.

‘Play for young children is more than just keeping them occupied. Play is an interactive learning experience, it nurtures their curiosity, resilience, and early academic readiness. Educational toys are vital for their development as it stimulates brain development, enhances problem-solving skills, and fosters emotional growth.

‘Libraries are safe, welcoming recreational spaces where every child belongs. Specialised sessions include the use of puppets, sensory play, and themed activities. These have shown remarkable success, particularly when working with neurodivergent children. It is about creating spaces where learning feels joyful, where children feel safe, and where curiosity is encouraged. Perhaps most importantly, it is about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn through play and to thrive,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

While the resources include puzzles, building blocks, puppets, and imaginative play items, the real magic lies in how they are used.

Library sessions often begin with storytelling and naturally flow into themed play experiences that bring stories to life. For many children, this is their first opportunity to interact with educational toys in a structured and supportive environment.

While it is budget dependant, there are plans to expand the service and to deepen its impact.

Future plans include:

Expanding inclusive and sensory resources
Strengthening staff training in “learning through play”
Introducing future-focused activities like basic coding concepts
Building stronger partnerships to sustain and expand the service

At its core, the ECD Resource Library is about opening doors and giving children the chance to explore, imagine, and connect.

The 24 participating libraries are:

Area North: Langa, Hangberg, Gugulethu, Dunoon, Mamre, Bonteheuwel, Valhalla Park
Area East: Harare, Macassar, Melton Rose, Mfuleni, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Masakhane (Khayelitsha), Fisantekraal, Scottsdene,
Area Central: Nyanga, Delft, Elsies River,
Area South: Crossroads, Ocean View, Ottery, Lotus River, Retreat, Westridge

ECD Resource Libraries are just one way that the City is supporting ECDs to provide safe and compliant learning spaces for children. For more information about available assistance for ECD compliance and registration, visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Register/Social-organisations/Register-an-ECD-centre

Caption 1: Children were entertained by a clown at the launch.

Caption 2: Tracey Muir-Rix, children’s co-ordinator with Libraries and Information Services, with two of the children from the Zerilda Park Educare who attended the launch.

Caption 3: Children were also treated to face painting.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office