Celebrating World Play Day: How Cape Town Libraries foster learning through play
Clown play at Retreat library.
Image: Supplied
Did you know that playing with blocks, puppets, and puzzles isn't just about having fun? It is actually a superpower that helps your brain grow.
To celebrate World Play Day on May 28, the City’s libraries launched a fantastic celebration, at the Retreat Library. The big message of the day? Unstructured play—where you get to use your imagination freely—is a vital tool for your health, your body, and your mind!
Right now, 24 special city libraries are turning into magical treasure troves. They are packed with educational toys, games, and guided play experiences designed to help children learn while having the time of their lives.
This exciting project is a team effort between the City’s Library Services and the Community, Arts and Culture Development team. Together, they run ECD (Early Childhood Development) Resource Libraries. But librarians aren't just waiting for you to visit them; they are packing up themed toy boxes and bringing the magic directly to local preschools and crèches.
Painting the faces of the little ones at the Retreat Lbrary event.
Image: Supplied
The results have been impressive. Between July 2024 and June 2025, nearly 10,000 children took part in 472 play sessions. This year, that number skyrocketed, with 11,395 children joining in on the fun!
"Play for young children is more than just keeping them occupied," said Francine Higham, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health. "Play is an interactive learning experience. It nurtures curiosity, resilience, and early academic readiness."
She added that libraries are safe, welcoming spaces where every single child belongs. The libraries even host special sessions with puppets and sensory play, which have been wonderfully successful for neurodivergent children—kids whose brains beautifully process the world a little differently.
"It is about creating spaces where learning feels joyful, where children feel safe, and where curiosity is encouraged," Higham said.
Tracy Muir with the young ones at a playday at the library
Image: Supplied
While the libraries are filled with awesome puzzles and building blocks, the real magic happens when children use them. A typical library session starts with an exciting story told by a librarian, which then flows into themed playtime where the kids get to bring those storybook characters to life. For many children, this is their very first chance to play with educational toys in a supportive environment.
Looking ahead, the City has big dreams to expand this service. Future plans include adding more sensory toys, training staff to become ultimate "learning-through-play" experts, and even introducing future-focused activities like basic coding.
The 24 participating ECD Resource Libraries are spread all across Cape Town. You can find them in the North (Langa, Hangberg, Gugulethu, Dunoon, Mamre, Bonteheuwel, Valhalla Park), the East (Harare, Macassar, Melton Rose, Mfuleni, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Masakhane in Khayelitsha, Fisantekraal, Scottsdene), the Central area (Nyanga, Delft, Elsies River), and the South (Crossroads, Ocean View, Ottery, Lotus River, Retreat, Westridge).
So, the next time someone tells you to stop playing, remind them: you are busy training your brain!
Grown-ups: The City of Cape Town also helps local preschools become safe, registered, and compliant learning spaces. For more information on how to register an ECD centre, visit www.capetown.gov.za.