Part of Open Book’s Youth Program is the “Open Box library”
As a Librarian is considered to be a specialist position in South African schools, these mini libraries are placed in classrooms allowing students and teachers access throughout the day without the need of a Librarian present.
April 23rd is World Book Day in South Africa where different organisations promote the importance of reading. Another one of Open Books literacy development initiatives, is the “Tied to World Book Day celebrations.”
This year they invited Gary Hirson of Calm In Storm, who is also passionate about promoting literacy, to speak to the Grade 3 students at St Mary’s Primary School in Cape Town. The 30 minute interactive talk was really well received by the pupils, who for many, were meeting an author for the first time. After the talk the pupils enjoyed a fun and creative activity where they, using their imagination drew a picture, related to Hirson’s first book, The Magic that’s Ours. 
Such was their gratitude that they sang songs of appreciation and presented Gary with a beautifully, hand crafted book, consisting of 25 amazing, personal illustrations and messages.