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Category: June 2026

  • A Buzzing Good Time: Tokai Library Celebrates Bee Day at Zwaanswyk Academy!

    Learners from the Zwaanswyk Academy in Tokai share a fun moment with LiBee at Bee Day

    On 20 May 2026, the Tokai Library team had the pleasure of visiting Zwaanswyk Academy for their Foundation Phase Bee Day celebration! It was a day dedicated to teaching young learners about the vital role bees play in nature and the importance of looking after our environment. The undisputed star of the day was none other than our very own beloved mascot, LiBee! Bringing an incredible burst of energy to the school grounds, LiBee wandered around greeting enthusiastic learners and posing for dozens of memorable photographs.

    Learners rise to their feet as LiBee enters the hall for story time at Zwaanswyk Academy

    The fun didn’t stop there! The Tokai team hosted a special, interactive story time session featuring the perfect book for the occasion: LiBee Joins the Library. The story tied into the day’s bee theme while sneaking in a heartfelt message about the joy of reading and visiting the library. The learners were captivated, participating enthusiastically and hanging onto every word. By blending literacy with environmental awareness, staff were able to create a truly meaningful experience for the children.

    This visit was a heartwarming reminder of how powerful community partnerships can be. The Tokai team would like to extend a massive thank you to Zwaanswyk Academy for inviting us and letting LiBee be part of such a special and memorable day. We can’t wait for our next community adventure!

    By: Sihle Nkosi

    Librarian

    Tokai Library

  • Libraries Make a Splash at the SA Navy Festival!

    Simonstown and Muizenberg Library staff alongside SA Navy staff at the 2026 SA Navy Festival

    The teams from Simon’s Town Library and Muizenberg Library joined forces for a fantastic weekend of community outreach at the SA Navy Festival from 17 to 19 April 2026. The combined library table was a massive hit and quickly became one of the most popular stops for festival-goers over the weekend. Visitors to the stand thoroughly enjoyed the “Spin the Wheel” game with lines of eager participants waiting for their turn to join the fun and walk away with exciting prizes.

    Festival-goers enjoy a game of “Spin the Wheel” at the library stand

    Of course, the real star of the show was LiBee! Braving the chilly ocean breeze with a massive smile, our beloved LIS mascot enthusiastically mingled with the crowd, posing for photos and creating wonderful, lasting memories with visitors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the library staff involved for always showing up with positive and warm energy at the festival and for truly making it a most memorable weekend.

    The Big Takeaway: The festival was a brilliant success and a heartwarming opportunity to re-connect with our community. By bringing a fun, interactive energy to the event, we were able to showcase our library services and remind people of all ages just how much their local libraries have to offer.

    By: Kathleen Bailey

    Senior Librarian

    Simonstown Library

  • From Tiny Tots to Avid Readers: Scottsdene Library’s Lifeline of Learning

    Children engaging in activities during a Scottsdene Library programme

    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.

    Proud Library School graduates at their graduation ceremony at Scottsdene Library

    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

  • Sub-Area 1 Libraries host a successful Communication Session at Koeberg Library

    Staff from Sub-Area 1 attend a Communication Session at Koeberg Library

    Sub Area 1 Libraries proudly hosted a successful Communication Session at Koeberg Library in April. The session focused on teamwork, communication, collaboration and strengthening relationships within our library teams.

    The day was filled with learning, team-building activities, presentations and exciting interactions that reminded us of the importance of working together as a team. A heartfelt thank you to the Marketing Team for the beautiful marketing material, PressReader, Western Cape Morsbags, Friends of the Library, volunteers and YearBeyond participants for your support and contributions towards making the day a success.

    Special thanks to our Area Head, Malusi Radebe, for facilitating such an inspiring and engaging session, and to the Koeberg Library staff for all their hard work, dedication and effort behind the scenes. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Matthew Jeffries from the Recreation and Parks department for leading the basic exercise activities for the day, which brought great energy, wellness and enthusiasm to the session.

    Congratulations to all our lucky draw winners! We hope you enjoy your prizes and thank you for participating and adding to the excitement of the day. Together we continue to communicate, collaborate, empower and achieve!

    LIS Head: Malusi Radebe handing over prizes to the winners of the day

    By: Vuyokazi Cungwa-Lose

    Senior Librarian

    Koeberg Library

  • Big Dreams and Bright Futures at Adriaanse Library Career Expo

    Senior Library Assistant Xavier Januarie addresses students at the Adriaanse Library Career Expo

    Bringing the LIS vision of “Connecting Information, People and Spaces” to life, Adriaanse Public Library hosted an inspiring Career Expo on 7 May for the local youth. The event welcomed over 112 Grade 10 and 11 learners from nearby Marian High Catholic School, accompanied by their educators. The library team collaborated with various community stakeholders and the Adriaanse Clinic to put together a diverse panel of speakers. Local Ward Councilor Charles Esau was also in attendance, warmly thanking the guest speakers and encouraging the learners to make informed, inspired choices about their future paths.

    Senior Library Assistant Xavier Januarie served as the MC, doing an excellent job of keeping the students fully engaged. Xavier shared his own inspiring story of starting out as a volunteer and rising through the ranks, celebrating a milestone of 15 years with the City of Cape Town this past January. The learners also heard from Adriaanse Library’s Librarian-in-Charge, Yvette Du Preez, who shared her beautiful 28-year journey of growth within the very library she now leads. The inspiring lineup was completed by Sister Nicole Gerner (Adriaanse Clinic), Carley Cupido (Social Worker at the Cape Town Multi-Service Centre), who touched on the importance of mental wellness during career growth and local entrepreneur Karin Ruiters.

    A selection of books on display showcasing various career paths at the expo

    The library floor was alive with color, featuring vibrant career displays and resourceful pamphlets. Every student walked away with a specially designed career guidance booklet and questionnaire, created by Xavier, to help them navigate their future decisions. While it may have been an intimate community gathering, the impact on these young minds was immense, proving once again that our libraries are vital launchpads for tomorrow’s leaders.

    By: Yvette Du Preez

    Senior Librarian

    Adriaanse Library

  • Tygerberg Nature Reserve Entertains and Educates Young Learners at Heideveld Library

    Tygerberg Nature Reserve staff showcasing the different types of wildlife found at Cape Town reserves

    On Thursday, 2 April 2026, Heideveld Library had the pleasure of hosting Tygerberg Nature Reserve as part of its school holiday programme activities. Facilitators Amy and Naeem, presented an engaging educational session for the children, bringing along a variety of stuffed animals and reptiles to introduce learners to different animal species.

    The facilitators shared interesting facts about each animal and reptile, creating an interactive learning experience, and the children were later divided into groups to participate in fun educational activities. One group listened to animal descriptions provided by the facilitators, drew the animals being described and encouraged others to guess which animals they had illustrated.

    A fun activity with children identifying different animals

    Another group participated in an activity where they identified different animals from pictures, while younger children were given an opportunity to draw their favourite animals. The programme was both informative and enjoyable, with children expressing how much they enjoyed learning about the environment and sharing their excitement for a future visit from Tygerberg Nature Reserve.

    The holiday programmes were organised by Gale, who expressed appreciation for the successful partnership and looks forward to welcoming both organisation’s again in future.

    By: Gale Pietersen

    Senior Library Assistant

    Heideveld Library

  • Celebrating Local Voices: Professor Gertrude Fester Inspires at Wynberg Library

    Patrons held onto every word during Professor Gertrude Fester’s inspiring Author Talk

    On the Thursday, 23April 2026, Wynberg Library held an author talk by Professor Gertrude Fester, an activist, academic and author who delivered a powerful talk reflecting on her life, her role in the fight against apartheid and her views on South Africa today. Fester, who endured 104 days of solitary confinement during apartheid, spoke openly about the psychological toll of isolation and the resilience it demanded. She mentioned that writing this book serves as telling her story and healing process.

    She acknowledged that she feels privileged to have been compensated for her suffering but raised a concern that many of her comrades who endured similar or even greater hardships were never compensated. Despite these challenges, Fester has built an extraordinary career, travelling the world, working and studying abroad and eventually earning her PhD in London. She worked as a lecturer at The Kigali Institute of Education in Rwanda. She stated that looking at where Rwanda came from; she still believes that there is a hope for a better South Africa.

    Turning to the present, Fester expressed her deep disappointment with South Africa’s political landscape. She mentioned that the idea of what they fought for which is justice, equality and dignity have been overshadowed by corruption and greed. The economy, she observed, caters to a privileged minority while the majority continues to suffer. “This is not what we fought for,” she repeated, highlighting the disappointment felt by many veterans of the liberation struggle.

    The session was highly interactive, with many expressing gratitude for hearing history directly from someone who lived it. Some participants raised the possibility of Fester’s book being considered as a set work in schools, arguing that it presents an authentic version of South Africa’s history and an important resource for younger generations. For many in attendance, her words served as a source of inspiration: the struggle for justice is ongoing and the responsibility to uphold the values of freedom lies with all South Africans.

    By: Rethabile Nkhahle

    Librarian

    Wynberg Library

  • Reclaiming Knowledge, Empowering Futures: Claremont Library Team Inspires Hundreds at Rosmead Primary

    Childline addresses the learners during a collaborative event with Claremont Library

    For South African Library Week (SALW) 2026, Claremont Library’s passionate Children’s Team, Margaux, Bongeka, Shannon and Gadija, brought their love for literacy straight to Rosmead Primary School in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Gathered in the school hall, 408 Grade 4 to 6 learners and their teachers welcomed the team at 11h00. The Claremont staff brought their A-game, sharing the excitement of Library Week and Fine-Free Week. Margaux and Bongeka highlighted the library’s fantastic “free basket of services,” showing the students that local libraries are accessible hubs for holiday clubs, chess, coding and homework support.

    The day’s impact grew even stronger when Shannon introduced a wonderful new partner, Childline. Bringing a warm, high-energy vibe, Childline engaged the learners with a memory-game icebreaker while teaching them about the 12 Basic Human Rights of Children. The students safely discussed how to report bullying and left the session equipped with vital emergency contact numbers. By the time the day concluded, the team had perfectly brought this year’s theme to life: “Reclaiming Knowledge, Empowering Futures.” Through collaboration and heart, they truly inspired the next generation of community champions!

    By: Margaux Bergman

    Assistant Librarian

    Claremont Library

  • Making a Global Difference: Fisantekraal Library’s Inspiring SDG Journey

    Fisantekraal Library hosts various community outreach programmes regularly

    At first glance, Fisantekraal Library is a welcoming haven of books and quiet study corners. But step inside and it quickly becomes clear that this vibrant space is doing something much bigger: it is quietly driving a global movement right from the heart of its community. By championing resilience, inclusivity and lifelong learning, the library has blossomed into a powerful catalyst for sustainable development.

    As a trusted local institution, Fisantekraal Library wears many hats. It is a knowledge hub, a digital lifeline and a launchpad for economic empowerment. On any given day, the library directly brings the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life. By providing free access to vital learning resources, study spaces, digital tools and skills development programmes, the team is actively breaking down barriers. Their efforts directly fuel SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

    But the library’s impact doesn’t stop at digital inclusion. Fisantekraal Library opens its doors wide as a safe, inclusive sanctuary for open dialogue and creative cultural expression, breathing life into SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities). From sparking green mindsets through environmental awareness initiatives (SDG 13: Climate Action) to serving as an essential information center that strengthens civic participation (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), the library is a cornerstone of local democracy.

    Of course, magic like this doesn’t happen in isolation. By building strong partnerships with local schools, businesses and NGOs, Fisantekraal Library embodies the true spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Together with its partners, the library continues to extend its reach and prove that public libraries are not just about checking out books, they are the ultimate engines for community empowerment and a sustainable future.

    By: Luyanda Hela

    Senior Librarian

    Fisantekraal Library