Cape Town: The City libraries launched World Play Day at the Retreat Library, and celebrated children’s right to play. They also advocated for unstructured play as a vital tool for cognitive, physical and mental health.
World Play Day is celebrated annually on May 28 and currently, 24 City libraries provide educational toys, resources and guided play experiences to support both formal and informal Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres.
Through a partnership between the Library and Information Services of the City of Cape Town and the Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD), the ECD Resource Libraries deliver these services through visits to the library, as well as outreach programmes where librarians bring themed resources directly to ECD sites.
The libraries provide children with a rich and engaging treasure trove of learning materials, nurturing curiosity and helping to build a lifelong love for learning through play. Between July 2024 and June 2025, nearly 9,977 children participated in 472 play-based sessions, with that number increasing to 11,395 children between July 2025 and April 2026.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that ‘Play’ for young children is more than just keeping them occupied. Play is an interactive learning experience, it nurtures their curiosity, resilience and early academic readiness. Educational toys are vital for their development as it stimulates brain development, enhances problem-solving skills and fosters emotional growth.
Libraries are safe, welcoming recreational spaces where every child belongs. Specialised sessions include the use of puppets, sensory play and themed activities. These have shown remarkable success, particularly when working with neurodivergent children.
Higham added that it is about creating spaces where learning feels joyful, where children feel safe and where curiosity is encouraged. Perhaps most importantly, it is about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to learn through play and to thrive.
While the resources include puzzles, building blocks, puppets and imaginative play items, the real magic lies in how they are used. Library sessions often begin with storytelling and naturally flow into themed play experiences that bring stories to life. For many children, this is their first opportunity to interact with educational toys in a structured and supportive environment. While it is budget dependant, there are plans to expand the service and to deepen its impact.