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Children’s libraries launched in 2 NC towns

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The mini-libraries will afford children an opportunity to enjoy a variety of books in their mother tongue.

Pupils in Postmasburg and Danielskuil will now be able to enjoy a range of children’s books after two mini-libraries, specifically made in the form of a tuk-tuk, were launched by Nal’ibali. Picture: Supplied

GRADE R to 5 pupils in Postmasburg and Danielskuil will now be able to enjoy a range of children’s books after two mini-libraries, specifically made in the form of a tuk-tuk, were launched by Nal’ibali.

Nal’ibali is a national reading for enjoyment campaign.

The campaign’s provincial co-ordinator, Bonisani Mhalinza, said the mini-libraries will afford children an opportunity to enjoy a variety of books in their mother tongue and also sharpen their knowledge.

“Research shows that children who are read to from an early age will perform better in the classroom, regardless of their social or financial standing,” said Mhalinza.

“There are four mini-libraries that Nal’ibali will be placing across the Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Soutpan and Dealesville communities in the Northern Cape and Free State. Each library can hold 650 storybooks and will be regularly stocked with Nal’ibali’s popular bilingual newspaper inserts. A valuable literacy support, each insert edition contains two to three children’s stories as well as tips and ideas for adults on how to read and share stories with children.”

Mhalinza said the project also aims to encourage and foster a reading culture in households.

“The project provides support to children who are at crucial developmental milestones throughout their lives. Nal’ibali’s role has been to motivate and equip caregivers, including parents and guardians, as well as early childhood development practitioners, to nurture the early literacy learning of young children to ensure they are ready to learn to read when they start school.”

The two children’s mini-libraries in the Northern Cape will be located at the Boichoko Library in Danielskuil and at Die Kuil Intermediate School in Postmasburg.

Mhalinza said the young readers will also enjoy the creative designs of their new mini-libraries.

“With its colourful appearance and unique stock of reading materials, children will have no trouble accessing the Nal’ibali mini-library at the respective sites,” she concluded.

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