In a community facing high unemployment, Scottsdene Public Library is serving as a vital lifeline. To support families who cannot afford early childhood development centres, the library runs a weekly “Library School” from February to December for children aged one to five. With themes tied to the environmental calendar, each hour-long session blends sing-alongs, rhymes, storytelling sessions and arts & crafts.
Parents and children participate together, focusing on essential hand-eye coordination to ensure the little ones are school-ready. At the end of the year, the children proudly wear graduation caps and receive certificates. They also participate in the 1000 Stories Before School campaign, ensuring they are well-prepared for Grade 1.
For the older children, the library is launching an After-School Reading Programme. Recognizing that many learners struggle with comprehension, the staff are stepping in to help with homework, assignments, and even Harvard referencing. Through themed reading lists, crossword puzzles, coding and interactive games, the team makes reading fun and keeps kids coming back.
Ultimately, the Scottsdene team is on a mission to build vocabulary, stimulate imaginations, and nurture problem-solving skills. By fostering a joyful connection with books early on, they are ensuring the library remains a safe and engaging sanctuary where a love for reading thrives well into children’s adulthood.
By: René Williams-Masiza
Senior Librarian
Scottsdene Library