Nal’ibali – South Africa’s reading-for-enjoyment campaign – will be launching four mobile libraries in select townships in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, and Gauteng. The first launch will take place at Site B Library in Khayelitsha on Friday, 31 May from 10: 00am.

Members of the public will be able to find out more about the  Story Power in Motion mobile libraries as well as collecting Nal’ibali supplements, brochures and mobile library schedules. Members of the media are invited to attend this launch as it will be the first day the Tuk Tuk mobile libraries will be open to the community. The ward councillor and the HoD’s of the Department of Basic Education have also been invited to attend. This event will offer beautiful photographic opportunities for the media to take advantage of, and to publish in their respective newspapers.

Loaded with books, stories and other reading materials, these colourful libraries will not only promote a culture of reading for joy, but increase access to children’s books for those living beyond the easy reach of a public library through a set weekly route, and fun weekly public literacy events.

Trained as Nal’ibali Literacy Mentors, each mobile library driver will actively support young members in selecting books by making suggestions, introducing them to different genres and styles, and engaging them through storytelling and other fun literacy-related activities such as songs, storytelling and games.

“Reading for enjoyment is a critical part of children’s school success, but many families don’t have access to a wide selection of books or have an established culture of reading for leisure,” explains Nompumelelo Prusent, Head of Programmes at Nal’ibali.

“Choice is a key component in developing children’s reading behaviour and access to reading materials in languages they understand is critical. Further, children require role models who value reading, as well as regular opportunities to read, write and share stories alone and with others,” says Prusent.

And, to support adults and caregivers in actively nurturing and strengthening literacy in their communities, the mobile libraries will also serve as sign-up points for anyone, young and old, who wishes to join Nal’ibali’s FUNda Leader, or volunteer network.

We believe every child should have the opportunity to reach their potential by falling in love with books and stories. This year alone we hope to reach at least 4 000 adults and children through events hosted at our mobile library events and to sign up a further 2 000 library members,” concludes Prusent.

For more information about the Nal’ibali campaign, the Story Power in Motion mobile libraries, or to access children’s stories in a range of SA languages, visit www.nalibali.mobi or find us on Facebook and Twitter: nalibaliSA.