Tour de Libraries cyclists take a break and pose for a photo at one of the schools that they donated books to.
Tour de Libraries promotes literacy and raises awareness about the importance of reading
Libraries offer far more than just the physical structures and books lining their shelves. Even the most modest of community mobile libraries can provide an educational haven and a sanctuary for children and adults alike. Libraries offer real opportunities for lifelong learning, for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
For children from households where recreational books are an absolute luxury, access to spaces where reading for pleasure is encouraged is vital. It is especially important in a middle-income country like South Africa, with its infamous high-input, low-outcome public education system.
Participants with some of the books they donated to schools in the Soweto area.
On 14 April 2023, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) and the Mail & Guardian (M&G) joined forces to collaborate with Book iBhoni for its annual Tour de Libraries initiative in Soweto — a cycling event that aims to promote literacy and raise awareness about the importance of reading. The initiative consists of a cycle tour ride through the township of Soweto, with several stops at various iconic tourist attractions along the way.
Cyclists from Book Ibhoni, CDH, M&G, Cycle Cradle and Beyond and many other teams made several stops at different libraries and schools in the area and donated more than 500 books. The books were distributed to the various schools and libraries visited during the event, helping to increase access to literature and educational materials in the community.
Two of the beneficiary schools are Zithulele Primary for Autism (based in Orlando East) and Ekuthuleni Primary School (based in Diepkloof).
The initiative was a great success and we would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated in the initiative and supported it, including Jacana Media, Jonathan Ball Publishers and Penguin Random House for their generous book donations. Your efforts continue to make a much-needed difference!
On the road! It’s smiles all round for those who got some exercise and helped with this worthy cause.