Cape Town’s public libraries that use technology to engage young readers have so far yielded significant results. The facilities are witnessing an influx of children and adolescents eager to partake in tech-oriented activities.
The City has placed a strong emphasis on digitised services, striving to enhance the digital offerings available. Starting in July 2022, a series of modern tools, such as tablets and gaming consoles, have been introduced, prompting libraries to devise creative strategies to maximise their impact and draw more patrons.
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According to the City, the significance of bridging the digital divide became particularly evident during the pandemic. While children with access to technology and online resources could continue their education seamlessly, those from underprivileged backgrounds encountered challenges in keeping up.
The City’s libraries are striving to narrow this gap and ensure equitable access to technology and knowledge for all while also making the process enjoyable.
Councillor Patricia van der Ross, the mayoral committee member for community services and health, underscored this approach, stating, ‘The digital divide was highlighted during the pandemic when children with access to technology and online platforms could continue with their education, while those in poorer communities struggled to keep up.’
She added, ‘City libraries are able to do their part by not only reducing this divide so everyone has equal access to technology and knowledge, but we’re doing it in a fun way.’
Among the libraries, Bellville South Library stands out for its initiative. In August 2022, the library received tablets, a boon for its diverse community encompassing various economic strata. The library staff introduced these tablets to children who previously had to endure long waits to access the limited computers and games available, presenting a new and engaging way for them to interact with technology.
The concept quickly gained traction, to the point where parents now need to search for their children within the library premises as they are engrossed in utilising the tablets after school hours.
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‘The children often had to wait long periods to use the free SmartCape, as it was their only access to computers and games. The tablets gave more children an opportunity to interact with technology in an entertaining way, and it has become so popular that parents have to come and look for their children in the afternoon because instead of going home after school, they rush to be first in line to use the tablets at the library,’ said Councillor van der Ross.
Waiting times have increased due to the tablets’ overwhelming popularity, prompting the library staff to devise a creative solution. Those waiting their turn must read to a staff member before being allowed to use the tablets. This approach has produced remarkable results, with many young students improving their reading skills and gaining newfound confidence.
Athlone Library has also embraced a technology-driven approach since 2016, incorporating video gaming as part of its offerings after renovation. The central objective is to incentivise young individuals to read by offering gaming time as a reward.
These gaming sessions are limited to Fridays, Saturdays and school holidays. To secure a slot, children are encouraged to borrow books, read them and then provide a brief review to the librarians, either written or spoken.
The successful integration of gaming-for-reading incentives is not limited to Athlone Library alone. Many other libraries across the city, including Delft, have witnessed a consistent influx of young patrons, not only for gaming but also for studying and socialising. The transformative impact of libraries on residents’ lives is evident. The introduction of tablets at Bellville South Library has not only exposed children to cutting-edge technology but has also contributed to the enhancement of their reading skills.
The rollout of this initiative began the previous year with the distribution of 66 tablets to 13 libraries. In 2023, the endeavour has expanded further, with 99 tablets allocated to 19 libraries, and this momentum is expected to persist throughout the year.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook