Celebrating World Book Day with Our Youngest Readers

On 23 April 2025, in celebration of World Book Day, members of the Community Outreach team from the Department of Library Services visited Sunny Sparrows - an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre under Child Welfare Tshwane in Sunnyside.

The team shared the joy of reading with some of our youngest community members in a heartwarming experience filled with smiles, laughter, and the magic of storytelling.

From the moment they arrived, they were met with curiosity, bright smiles, and eager hearts ready to explore the colourful world of stories. With age-appropriate books in hand, the team read aloud to the children, bringing the stories to life through expressive narration and interactive engagement.

As the stories unfolded, the little ones listened intently - some giggling at the funny parts, others sitting wide-eyed in wonder. Classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle captured their imaginations, while a generous donation of Book Dash titles - designed with simple text and vivid illustrations - further enriched the centre’s literacy resources.

The experience was both inspiring and joyful. The children’s enthusiasm reminded everyone of the power of stories to connect, teach, and uplift. The outreach team members also took time to engage one-on-one with the children, encouraging their curiosity and nurturing a love for reading.

World Book Day is more than a celebration of books - it’s a commitment to fostering a lifelong love of learning. The outreach team is deeply grateful to the Department of Library Services for the opportunity, and to the children and staff at Sunny Sparrows for their warm welcome.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this visit possible. Together, we’re helping shape a brighter future - one story at a time.