Libraries popping up in unexpected places

On Wednesday, 10 September, the first popped up in Jabulani Mall, Information Court 1 and finally in Fourways Mall on Friday, 12 September, it popped up again where it drew the crowds outside Cape Union Mart.

Readathon pop-up libraries comprise portable book shelves, books and bean bags, and can be set up in a matter of minutes. The presence of a READ ambassador adds to the magnetism of the event, and this Literacy Week, Hlubi Mboya did the honours, adding to the excitement by reading to the younger audience with Mr Book.

Countries with poor literacy will be condemned to classification as 'third world' or lower. Only through reading can they hope to compete at the top. While 'not all readers are leaders', as former American president Harry S. Truman said, all leaders are readers. In South Africa, the late world-revered leader, Nelson Mandela, set the pace by being an avid reader. By promoting literacy, READ is undoubtedly helping the country create great leaders of the future.