​Calling all bookworms to celebrate National Book Week and Literacy Day at the City of Johannesburg’s libraries. National Book Week is commemorated annually between 5 and 11 September. In the same week, Literacy Day is recognised on 8 September. The City’s libraries will host a programme to commemorate these significant events through creative writing, a spelling bee, online writing programmes and much more. Nothing beats the feeling of being curled up with a new book to dive completely into a fictional world, or that feeling when you have a new book waiting for you at home.

Commemorating Book Week surely must top the list of fun things to do with other book enthusiasts. The events will kick off on 5 September and end on Saturday, 9 September.

Here is a list of the events:

• On 5 September, librarians from Orange Farm Library will host a reading with senior citizens session between 10:00 – 12:00.
• On 6 September, Tshepisong Library is hosting a book quiz with grade 4–7 learners from 14:30.
• On 7 September, Florida Library is hosting a creative writing session between 10:00 – 12:00. It’s open to learners, and they will get the opportunity to create their own stories, poems, or books using pictures. A guest speaker, who is an author, will talk to learners about writing their own book, story, or poem.

Events focused on celebrating Literacy Day on Friday, 8 September

• Rosettenville Library will celebrate Literacy Day by reading and spelling with kids from Rosettenville Primary and Mudi Learning Centre.
• Noordgesig Library will observe the day by reminding the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights and by advancing the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.
• Diepkloof Zone 5 Libraries will partner with Diepkloof Adult Basic Education and Training and assist students to read and write using tablets or laptops.
• Diepkloof Zone 1 Library will promote literacy for foundational learning and is open to children aged between 6 and 16 years old.
• Emdeni Library will raise awareness about the importance of literacy within schools.
• Florida Library will present a workshop to early childhood development caregivers on the importance of books, including the importance of storytelling and book education.
• Bramfischerville Library will host a spelling bee with a local primary school for grades 6 and 7.
• Naturena Library will launch an online writing programme.

What are you waiting for? Look for programmes in your area and celebrate National Book Week and Literacy Day the right way. If there are no programmes targeted at your area, be sure to still visit the City libraries to use their services.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi