An Innovative Reading Programme Takes Flight in the City's Libraries - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

An Innovative Reading Programme Takes Flight in the City’s Libraries

3 mins read
reading habits children's literacy

The city’s libraries have launched an exciting new program called the “Around the World Reading Programme” to get kids aged 9-12 interested in reading during summer vacation. The program combines reading with fun activities like puzzles, crafting, and even basic coding to keep kids engaged. The mascot LiBee guides kids through the program’s challenges, which are designed to make reading fun and exciting, and the program aims to show kids that reading can be a fun and relaxing way to learn about the world.

Addressing the Decline in Reading Habits among Children

The “Around the World Reading Programme” is a scheme launched by the city’s libraries to combat the fading reading habits in youngsters, especially during the elongated summer vacation. The program aims to ignite a passion for books among children aged nine to twelve years old by adopting an immersive, diverse approach that includes elements of amusement. It also offers child-friendly, thought-provoking challenges and establishes an arena for children to participate in delightful activities.

The city’s libraries have launched an inventive scheme, dubbed the “Around the World Reading Programme”. This exceptional endeavor is meant to introduce juvenile readers to the marvels of the world via the enchanting realm of literature. The iconic mascot, LiBee, is the delightful face of the City’s Library and Information Service and is prepped for this thrilling programme crafted especially for children aged nine to twelve years old.

Addressing the Decline in Reading Habits among Children

One of the core issues that this initiative tackles is the fading reading habits in youngsters, especially during the elongated summer vacation. This period is often dominated by outdoor charms and a respite from academic work, overshadowing the appeal of reading. To combat this, the programme has been thoughtfully scheduled for December and January with the aim of igniting a passion for books among as many children as possible.

Nonetheless, the programme is not just confined to reading. It adopts an immersive, diverse approach that includes elements of amusement. The participating children are also assigned a series of captivating challenges to be completed within their community library.

Drawing a correlation between physical exertion and cognitive stimulation, Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, illustrates the importance of this programme. “While the advantages of physical activity are widely recognized, reading serves as a workout for our brains. Children who engage in intellectual activities like reading, are able to retain much of the knowledge they’ve amassed during the academic year,” she asserts.

A Kaleidoscope of Fun and Learning Activities

The programme not only offers child-friendly, thought-provoking challenges but also establishes an arena for children to participate in delightful activities. To amp up the excitement, a booklet comprising a myriad of activities has been curated for our little adventurers. As they navigate each continent with their travel buddy, LiBee, they are engaged with entertaining activities.

These encompass constructing the tallest edifice in Asia, unraveling a puzzle in Europe to spot a hidden landmark, crafting Rio Carnival masks representative of South America, translating English to Egyptian hieroglyphics, and employing SmartCape computers to unearth the names of extinct North American fauna.

Additionally, each continent is introduced with a brief story accompanied by a charming activity. This smartly integrates basic computer skills that children can learn while fulfilling these enjoyable tasks.

Van der Ross further clarifies the conceptualization behind the programme. “A crucial aim of the programme is to inspire children to associate reading with fun and relaxation, rather than perceiving it as a burdensome task or a school-related activity. Therefore, the programme is cleverly engineered to include elements of reading, rudimentary computer skills, coding, creative skills, and dancing,” she elaborates.

Embracing Technology and Innovation in Reading

In this unparalleled age of technology and innovation, the city’s libraries are revolutionizing the traditional approach to reading. They are transcending the conventional, forging an enriching and pleasurable experience that inspires children to learn and investigate.

The gateway to this programme is now open. It’s time for parents and their children to seize this opportunity. Pay a visit to your local library to learn more about the specifics of the program, and let the global expedition commence.

What is the “Around the World Reading Programme”?

The “Around the World Reading Programme” is a new program launched by the city’s libraries to get kids aged 9-12 interested in reading during summer vacation. It combines reading with fun activities like puzzles, crafting, and even basic coding to keep kids engaged. The mascot LiBee guides kids through the program’s challenges, which are designed to make reading fun and exciting.

Who is the program aimed at?

The program is aimed at children aged 9-12 years old who are on summer vacation. The program aims to combat the fading reading habits among youngsters during summer by igniting a passion for books.

What are some of the activities included in the program?

The program includes a variety of fun and educational activities such as constructing the tallest edifice in Asia, unraveling a puzzle in Europe to spot a hidden landmark, crafting Rio Carnival masks representative of South America, translating English to Egyptian hieroglyphics, and employing SmartCape computers to unearth the names of extinct North American fauna.

When is the program scheduled?

The program is scheduled for December and January with the aim of igniting a passion for books among as many children as possible.

What is the role of LiBee in the program?

LiBee is the iconic mascot of the City’s Library and Information Service and guides kids through the program’s challenges.

How does the program embrace technology and innovation in reading?

The city’s libraries are revolutionizing the traditional approach to reading by combining it with basic computer skills, coding, and other creative skills to make it an enriching and pleasurable experience that inspires children to learn and investigate.

Previous Story

A Revolutionary Leap Towards Inclusivity: Cape Town’s ‘No Cost Transfer’ Programme

Next Story

A New Era: Red Disa Acquires Control of WP Rugby

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.