Joining the Rainy Day Bingo Winter Reading Programme, which kicks off on Tuesday, 1 June 2021, is the perfect way to chase away the winter blues. The department is rolling out its third departmental reading programme and all children aged between four and 12 are encouraged to get on the page.
‘City libraries are putting fun into the cold season, aimed at encouraging reading and problem solving skills. I want to encourage as many young readers as possible to take part in this fun programme. The programme uses the concept of the popular game, Bingo, and instead of numbers, we will use different genres of books to engage our younger library patrons,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Two fun booklets have been designed for ages four to six and seven to 12, which include colour-in pages, word mazes, unscrambling words, I Spy and also some creative crafts that parents and children can do together.
‘Our aim is to create and strengthen reading habits in children and to foster and encourage a love of reading. Reading should not be seen as a chore, but as a fun activity that stimulates the imagination, expands our knowledge and gives us a deeper understanding of the world around us,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Bingo Winter Reading Bingo Competition
Parents, caregivers and teachers are urged to visit their local library to pick up a Bingo sheet and the activity booklet.
For every row completed, the child’s name will be entered into a lucky draw and they stand a chance of winning a super cool activity pack.
The more rows they complete, the more times their name will be entered into the lucky draw. When handing in your Bingo sheet, don’t forget to shout BINGO. It’s fun for the whole family.
These activities can be done in the comfort of your home, so pop into your local library to pick up your books free of charge.
Look out for the amazing Rainy Day displays and recommended reads that will help you choose books for the game.
‘There are a myriad of benefits when we read and we need to foster a lifelong habit of reading in our children. It’s a skill that will stand them in good stead as they grow, at the same time making studying and learning easier,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
WHERE: Cape Town City Libraries – 103 libraries throughout the City
See also Cape Town Green Map
