Experience the magic: Cape Town libraries celebrate World Read Aloud Day at Iziko Museum
LiBee, City of Cape Town libraries' mascot, sits, while mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis reads to pupils at Iziko Museum, in Gardens, on World Read Aloud Day, Wednesday, February 4,
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
More than 200 excited pupils from Gugulethu, Lentegeur, Mfuleni, and Goodwood were treated to a magical adventure at the Iziko Museum on Wednesday, February 4, as the City of Cape Town Library and Information Services (LIS) partnered with Nal’ibali to celebrate World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) 2026.
The event, themed "Unlocking magic through Stories - A Journey of hope and adventure," saw Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham, join Iziko Museums, executive director for core functions, Dr Bongani Ndhlovu, and staff from Nal’ibali in reading stories.
Mayoral committee member for community services and health Francine Higham, reads aloud to pupils at Iziko Museum, in Gardens.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
Mr Hill-Lewis emphasised the importance of literacy, stating: "In our country, where poor literacy holds so many children back from fulfilling their dreams, let’s all do what we can to encourage more reading, especially reading aloud to our children."
The featured story this year, A New Friend, holds special significance.
Created in South African Sign Language (SASL), it introduces Thandiwe, a new deaf Nal’ibali character, promoting inclusivity.
Stories were read in different sections of the museum, allowing the pupils to combine storytelling with exploration and discovery.
Ms Higham highlighted the lasting impact of the event.
"Reading aloud to children... boosts vocabulary, builds listening skills, and sparks imagination," she said.
"Through our libraries, we are proud to support World Read Aloud Day by nurturing a lifelong love of reading," said Ms Higham.
Pictured from left, are Iziko Museums of South Africa director for education Hylton Arnolds, City of Cape Town libraries mascot LiBee, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, mayoral committee member for community services and health Francine Higham. With them are pupils from Gugulethu, Lentegeur, Mfuleni, and Goodwood.
Image: Fouzia van der Fort
This year, Nal’ibali, South Africa's national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, set an ambitious national goal to read aloud to four million children across South Africa.
The City’s more than 100 public libraries participated widely, hosting various WRAD activities in schools, clinics, and daycares to ensure the spirit of storytelling was shared across the metro.
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