Books and their characters were on full display in Cape Town over the last few days as bookish people took part in several public readings for World Read Aloud Day.
The day, which is celebrated on 4 February, was founded by LitWorld in 2010 to promote reading aloud to improve literacy, comprehension, and community connection.
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Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and councillor Francine Higham joined the City’s Library and Information Services on Wednesday to celebrate World Read Aloud Day 2026 at the Iziko Museum of South Africa.
The event, held in partnership with Nal’ibali and Iziko Museums, featured the theme “Magic at the Museum” and was designed to unlock magic through stories as a journey of hope and adventure.
Libraries get quirky
Central Library in the Cape Town City Bowl District (CBD), posted a quirky video on social media of a librarian reading Romeo and Juliet’s famous balcony soliloquy from the library’s level one balcony.
Staff from the library also visited several schools and read aloud to pupils.
We need to treat reading, the same way we do any other fun activity.
Other libraries also posted read-aloud events on their social media pages.
Rocklands Library, in Mitchells Plain, posted: “So today we managed to read aloud to over 1 500 learners at three primary schools’ foundation grades.”
Authors come out of the woodwork
Publishers also sent their authors out into the wild to read at schools and libraries.
Author Lauren O’Connor-May, from Strandfontein, visited two schools on Thursday 5 February on the invitation of literacy non-profit The Otto Foundation.
O’Connor-May visited two Otto Foundation libraries in District Six (Holy Cross) and the CBD (St Mary’s) to read from her children’s book Dream House Adventures.
What do bookish people say about reading aloud?
“Reading aloud allows us to have some fun, to get into characters, read in different tones of voices. I would even encourage parents to allow their children to read out loud, and it doesn’t necessarily just have to be a book, they could be maybe in traffic, and ask the kids to read, bumper stickers or signage, just to get our kids to read out loud, because they also get to practise reading, and practise their articulation.” — Alicia Williams, founder of the Olive Exchange, an assisted publisher in Mitchells Plain.
“Reading aloud plays a powerful role in a child’s development. It helps build vocabulary, introduces new words, and strengthens listening skills. When children read out loud at home, they also gain confidence in expressing themselves. Parents are encouraged to create time and space for this. It makes a lasting difference.” — Roscoe Williams from Read to Rise, a literacy NPO.
“We need to treat reading, the same way we do any other fun activity. We show kids the lens through which they should view books, so if reading is seen as something fun and exciting, and interesting to do, then that’s what it will be. Use accents, ask them questions about what they see on the page, make funny voices. Make it as interactive as possible. Help them discover their imagination through the world of stories.” — Bianca Flanders, entertainer and author.
“I am passionate about encouraging children to read aloud. Reading aloud has so many benefits: boosts confidence, builds vocabulary and language skills., unlocks reading for meaning, develops better understanding and overall comprehension, enhances fluency through activating multiple senses, improves memory for better recall of the story, ignites active listening skills, instills a love of reading and most of all, it brings joy.” —Roslynne Toerien, children’s book author.
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