Storytelling initiatives across Cape Town united leaders, libraries and learners to promote literacy, inclusion and imagination through World Read Aloud Day celebrations.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis joined the City of Cape Town Library and Information Services, Nal’ibali and Iziko Museums of South Africa to celebrate World Read Aloud Day 2026 at the Iziko Museum of South Africa.
The event, themed “Magic at the Museum,” brought storytelling into a heritage learning environment, reinforcing the role of reading in unlocking imagination, knowledge and opportunity for young learners. School groups from Gugulethu, Mfuleni, Goodwood and Lentegeur participated in storytelling sessions hosted throughout the museum.
Mayor Hill-Lewis read to learners, highlighting the importance of literacy as a foundation for lifelong success.
“In our country, where poor literacy holds so many children back from fulfilling their dreams, we must all do what we can to encourage reading,” he said. “At grades two and three, children are at the perfect age to discover the magic of storytelling and books.”
Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, emphasised that reading aloud strengthens vocabulary, imagination and emotional development.
“Reading aloud to children is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Through our libraries, we support initiatives that nurture a lifelong love of reading and learning,” she said.
The event formed part of a national campaign led by Nal’ibali, which set a goal of reading aloud to four million children across South Africa. This year’s official story, A New Friend, marked a milestone in inclusive storytelling, having been originally created in South African Sign Language before being translated into all official languages.
Libraries across Cape Town also hosted activities in schools, clinics, early childhood centres and community spaces, extending access to storytelling and literacy programmes across the metro.
Iziko Museums Executive Director Dr Bongani Ndhlovu said combining storytelling with museum exploration creates deeper learning experiences.
“Museums are spaces of wonder and imagination. By bringing storytelling into this environment, we help children discover knowledge, heritage and the joy of reading,” he said.
The City’s library network continues to provide access to books, literacy programmes and educational resources supporting reading development among young learners across communities.
