For many children in Retreat the local library has become far more than a place to borrow books from, but rather an escape and a safe space away from the hardships of home.
Every afternoon children stream into the facility after school, not only to read, but to play, learn, receive a sandwich, and spend time in a safe and nurturing environment where they feel supported and valued, according to Retreat librarian Maymuna Roomaney.
Play-based learning
As the City of Cape Town celebrated World Play Day on Wednesday 28 May, Retreat Library was among the libraries highlighting the importance of play-based learning in children’s development.
Roomaney said creating a welcoming space for children has always been central to her work.
“As a librarian at Retreat Library I have always believed a library should be more than just a place for books; it should be a safe and welcoming space where children feel seen, supported and inspired. Every day many children from our community come to the library straight after school, and over time they become like family to us.”
World Play Day celebrations at the library were filled with activity, laughter, and educational games. Children moved between activity stations featuring puzzles, educational toys, outdoor games, arts and crafts, storytelling, and imaginative play.
Educational opportunities
The library has also partnered with organisations such as Shark Spotters, Metro World Kids, Recreation and Parks, and Community Arts and Culture Development to expand the experience for children.
Roomaney said the toy library resources provide children with educational opportunities many may not have access to at home. “Through these activities children learn while having fun, and it creates a joyful environment where they feel safe, included and encouraged to express themselves,” she said.
The City currently operates 24 early-childhood development (ECD) resource libraries across Cape Town, providing educational toys, guided play experiences and outreach programmes to support formal and informal ECD centres.
Between July 2024 and June last year, nearly 10 000 children participated in 472 play-based sessions. That number grew to over 11 000 children between July last year and April.
According to the City, the programme aims to promote unstructured play as an important tool for children’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development.
Inclusive space
Mayco member for community services and health Francine Higham said educational toys and guided play experiences were critical for early-childhood development. “Play for young children is more than just keeping them occupied,” she said. “Play is an interactive learning experience. It nurtures their curiosity, resilience, and early academic readiness.”
She added libraries offer safe and inclusive spaces where children from all backgrounds can learn and thrive.
At Retreat Library workers witness the impact of these sessions daily. “Many children arrive shy or withdrawn,” Roomaney pointed out, “but through regular interaction and play we see them grow in confidence and become more comfortable communicating with others.
“Play allows children to express themselves naturally, make friends, solve problems together, and build important social and emotional skills.”
She said staff had also noticed improvements in concentration, creativity and language development among those attending the programme regularly. The most popular activities include building blocks, puzzles, sensory toys, role-play games, storytelling sessions, and arts and crafts.
After school
For many children, however, the experience is about more than the toys.
Said Roomaney: “One of the most special parts of our after-school programme is the simple routine of children arriving at the library after school, receiving a sandwich and spending time in a safe environment where they can learn, play, and interact positively with others.
“For many children, these moments bring comfort, stability, and joy.”
The City said the programme had shown particular success when working with neurodivergent child through specialised sensory play and themed activities.
Future plans for the initiative include expanding sensory resources, strengthening staff training, introducing basic coding concepts, and building stronger partnerships to sustain the programme. For Roomaney the greatest reward is seeing children flourish in an environment where they feel they belong.
“The greatest reward is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces every day, watching them grow in confidence, and knowing the library is a place where they feel safe, cared for, and encouraged to dream bigger,” she said. “It is about much more than toys or activities, it is about giving children hope, support, and a sense of belonging.”
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