Fish Hoek Library’s World Read Aloud Day was a joyful success! Embracing the “Celebrating Learning” theme, we officially met our reading pledge thanks to the incredible support of local schools, homeschoolers and our enthusiastic PRAM Jammers. From toddlers to nine-year-olds, listeners were captivated by classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and interactive hits like Do Not Open This Book. Whether tending to the “inner child” of our caregivers or sharing a laugh with Grade 1s over some classic jokes, the day proved that reading aloud remains at the heart of our community.
Our librarians truly stole the show! We received wonderful feedback from parents and teachers alike praising their “awesome” storytelling and professionalism. It was a joy to witness learners responding with curiosity, laughter and excitement to every story shared. We were also grateful to have Sue Stewart, who volunteered her time to read stories, join us on the day. Stories were read by Agnes Knowles, Ashleigh Wessels, Jill Festus, Tantaswa Jezile and Zaakiya Williams, each bringing their own warmth and personality to the storytelling experience.
For Fish Hoek Library, celebrating World Read Aloud Day 2026 was a testament to the transformative power of literacy, which our staff have always viewed as a source of “magic” and lifelong confidence. By sharing the Nal’ibali story A New Friend on social media, the library highlighted essential themes of inclusivity and teamwork – values that were mirrored by the staff’s own collaborative efforts to host a successful event while maintaining seamless service. This celebration was ultimately made possible by the dedicated passion of the library team and a community that continues to prioritize the joy of reading.
Agnes Knowles, Librarian and Ashleigh Wessels, Librarian PL(SA)
Fish Hoek Library