Science Week

Thirty-three libraries will host a series of events to celebrate National Science Week between 2 and 8 August. The department kicked things off with a launch event at Amazon in Observatory yesterday.

Grade eight and nine learners from schools around the metropole attended the launch event at the Amazon Auditorium in Observatory, featuring various exhibitors, event partners and City officials. The Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham delivered the welcome address.

The theme for this year’s National Science Week focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), and promises an exciting programme designed to spark curiosity, foster learning, and open doors to innovation for participants.

The 33 participating City libraries will host science demonstrations, talks and chemistry experiments.

The libraries are: Kensington, Town Centre, Wynberg, Simon’s Town, Delft, Rondebosch, Ocean View, Central, Brackenfell, Strand, Bellville, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Kraaifontein, Observatory, Brown’s Farm, Scottsdene, Crossroads, Tygervalley, Goodwood, Gordon’s Bay, Wesfleur, Weltevreden, Mamre, Nyanga, Pinelands, Harare, Edgemead, Gugulethu, Lwandle, Parow, Durbanville, Hangberg and Hanover Park.

‘Looking at the many well attended programmes that our libraries offer throughout the year, it is clear that libraries remain popular community facilities. We are excited to be part of National Science Week and the opportunities for collaboration that it presents. The launch event, hosted at Amazon’s Cape Town offices, marks a powerful beginning to what we hope will become an annual celebration of innovation, learning and partnerships. We invite all learners, parents, educators, and community members to visit their nearest participating library during Science Week and to be part of this exciting journey,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

In line with the theme, City libraries have partnered with tertiary institutions, private sector and non-profit organisations, educational hubs (including the Cape Town Science Centre) to bring a wide range of interactive and inspiring activities to young library users. These sessions include everything from coding and robotics workshops to science shows, experiments, and career talks – all aimed at engaging youth in the fascinating possibilities of STEAM.

A special focus of this year’s programme is encouraging female learners to explore STEAM subjects and careers. As August also marks Women’s Month, libraries will be using this opportunity to showcase female role models in STEAM fields and to foster inclusive spaces where young women feel supported in their pursuit of science and technology.

The Libraries Science Week initiative grew from a desire to offer meaningful and accessible programmes that support skills development, particularly in communities that may not have access to these kinds of opportunities. It also augments the role of libraries as hubs for literacy, innovation, discovery, and lifelong learning

During the event, the winner of the very first ‘Teen Champion Competition’ was announced. Hosted by City Libraries, the competition gave youth a platform in libraries during Youth Month, to showcase their creativity, voices, and love for their library to inspire others. The competition ran from the beginning of June and closed on 18 July 2025. The winner, Joie Lomboto,15, from Wynberg Library, stood out with a sweet and thoughtful submission that truly captured the spirit of our libraries.