1. The UNESCO-initiated World Book Day celebration is held annually on 23 April, William Shakespeare’s date of birth. However, as 23 April 2006 falls on a Sunday, it is suggested that WCED schools celebrate World Book Day on Monday, 24 April 2006.
2. The theme for the day, BOOKS TALK: ARE YOU LISTENING?, reflects the importance of reading skills in life-long learning, cognitive development and psychological well-being. Schools are therefore encouraged to acknowledge the value of reading by participating enthusiastically in reading-based activities on World Book Day.
3. Attached is a list of suggestions compiled by the staff of EDULIS (WCED Education Library and Information Service) for school-based activities to mark World Book Day in a rewarding and an enjoyable way.
4. Schools may obtain a colourful poster depicting the spirit of World Book Day from one of the following:
4.1 EMDC Resource Centre librarians (see paragraph 5 below for contact persons)
4.2 EMDC Metropole North: Curriculum Adviser: School Libraries (Jenny Caroto, tel. 021 938 3018)
4.3 EMDC Metropole Central: Educational Media Technology Adviser (Peter Visagie, tel. 021 659 4300)
4.4 Centre for the Book: Projects Co-ordinator (Mark Espin, tel. 021 423 2669, 62 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town).
5. Schools may contact one of the following librarians to request block loans of books/talking books in audiocassette format/film versions of books in video or DVD formats for use on World Book Day well before the time: 
Amor du Toit   EDULIS Library, Bellville 021 957 9618
Ntombi Mngxuma EMDC Metropole South: Brian O’Connell Resource Centre, 
               Mitchells Plain 021 370 2084
Cheryl Joseph  EMDC Metropole East, Kuils River 021 900 5111
Ina Heiberg    EMDC West Coast/Winelands Resource Centre, 
               Paarl 021 860 1229
Sam Webber     EMDC South Cape/Karoo Resource Centre, 
               George 044 803 8328
Janine Ontong  EMDC Breede River/Overberg Resource Centre, 
               Worcester 023 348 4657
6. Use should also be made of the books supplied to learners in the Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase classrooms in terms of the 100+ Books Project.


SIGNED: F.A. BOOYSE
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2006:03:17

Annexure  (size: 47 KB)