GROWING THE LOVE FOR STORIES & READING

Stories, laughter and imagination filled the air today at Ext 5 Library in Eldorado Park as Nal’ibali joined Joburg Libraries to celebrate South African Library Week! Children from Boekenhout Primary school gathered at the library to discover the magic that lives on its shelves. The highlight of the day was a vibrant storytelling session by Logan Edward, a Story Sparker, followed by a lively puppet show by Nonhlanhla Willow Mdlani that had young audiences captivated from start to finish. Days like this show just how powerful libraries can be, bringing stories to life and creating spaces where children feel inspired to read, imagine and explore. Nal’ibali continues to champion reading for enjoyment beyond the classroom, helping children discover the joy of stories in libraries, homes and communities. #SALibraryWeek #LibrariesMatter #ReadingForJoy #Nalibali #BuildingReaders #AccessToBooks

A library can change a child’s story. For many children, a library is more than a building with books. It is where curiosity begins, where a first favourite story is discovered, and where imagination takes flight. This South African Library Week, we celebrate libraries as spaces of possibility where children discover the joy of reading. Let’s continue supporting libraries so every child has the chance to fall in love with books. #SALibraryWeek #LibrariesMatter #BuildingReaders #Nalibali #ReadingForJoy

We love Kokwani’s Surprise Party because it celebrates the joy and love that family brings! While written for children, this story resonates with readers of all ages, reminding us of the special bonds that connect generations. It highlights family, caring for our elders, and the importance of making our ogogo no mkhulu bethu feel cherished. Stories like this help children learn kindness, respect, and the value of shared moments. Reading together is more than fun, it’s a way to pass on values, traditions, and love from one generation to the next. Thank you, @maluleke_faith, for reminding us how important it is to celebrate the love, care, and wisdom of our elders. Images: @metrofmsa

In celebration of World Book Day, held on 6 March, we spent a beautiful morning reading with the learners of Khehlekile Primary School in Thokoza, in the City of Ekurhuleni. As we are just a few days away from South African Library Week, this visit coincided perfectly with the spirit of celebrating libraries and the important role they play in our communities. In partnership with Thokoza Library under Ekurhuleni Libraries, the children learned about the value of books, how to access them at the library, and why taking care of them matters. They were also encouraged to sign up for library cards and explore the many stories waiting for them on the shelves. A special highlight of the day was when our National Coordinator, Sibongiseni Blose, read a story to the learners. The learners were completely captivated, hanging onto every word and enjoying every moment. Moments like these remind us how powerful libraries and books can be in inspiring young minds.