National Book Week 2015

National Book Week takes place from 7 to 13 September 2015. The aim is to highlight the importance of reading, and that it should be incorporated into children’s daily lives from an early age as books should be an enjoyable experience for them.

What is the Western Cape Government doing for National Book Week?

The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais will be attending the launch of National Book Week, taking place at the Conville Community Hall in George on the 8 September 2015. This event is facilitated by the National Department of Arts and Culture.

The Western Cape  Department of Education  is celebrating National Book Week in line with the National Department of Basic Education’s  “Drop All and Read” Campaign.

• The “Drop All and Read” campaign will kick off at the Church of the Nazerene in Portlands, Mitchells’ Plain on Sunday 6 September. The Metro South Education District Director, Mr. Glen Van Harte, will address the congregation regarding the “Drop all and Read” campaign rollout, following which books (donated by publishers) will be handed out to the congregation and will be read for 20 minutes. This will happen immediately after the church service on Sunday.


• On International Literacy Day, the Minister of Basic Education, Mrs. Angie Motshekga, being accompanied by the Western Cape MEC for Education, Mrs. Debbie Schäfer will visit Masivuke Primary School in Brown’s Farm where she will read to a group of learners in the school library.

What are Wheelie Wagons?

Wheelie Wagons or mobile libraries as they are fondly referred to, are a set of book shelves that are designated for a particular area and which are stationed in community halls for citizens to be able to get books in areas where there aren’t public libraries.

The Western Cape Provincial Library Service manages 45 Wheelie Wagons which operate throughout the province.

Books expand your mind to help form opinions and ideas.

Books are important because they stimulate our imaginations and open up pathways of self-upliftment, and inspire creativity. Books are essential for learning as they stimulate our mind and help us form ideas and opinions.

How can you get involved in National Book Week?

Get involved:

• by starting your own book club,
• by going to a local library and offering reading sessions as well as finding out if book donations are accepted, or
• by emailing nandipha.sikhweyiya@westerncape.gov.za for more information regarding hosting a book reading competition at your nearest school.