KZN Mom’s Passion for Reading Ignites a Love for Stories and the Local Library

From a simple story time recording during lockdown to four years of Thursday morning magic at the Kloof Public Library, Michelle Linde is proving that a passion for stories can... The post KZN Mom’s Passion for Reading Ignites a Love for Stories and the Local Library appeared first on Good Things Guy.

May 12, 2026 - 09:42

KZN Mom’s Passion for Reading Ignites a Love for Stories and the Local Library

From a simple story time recording during lockdown to four years of Thursday morning magic at the Kloof Public Library, Michelle Linde is proving that a passion for stories can transform a community and open a world of wonder for every child.

Hillcrest, South Africa (12 May 2026) – Most of us vividly remember that crazy time of our lives when we were plunged into the unfamiliar reality of lockdown. It was a time of bizarre restrictions where “non-essential” items like flip-flops, birthday cakes, balloons, and even books were off-limits. Schools sat empty, and library doors remained locked.

It is a time that Michelle Linde, a passionate children’s book author from Hillcrest, remembers all too well. While her own family was fortunate to have a vast collection of books gathered over the years, she felt a pull to ensure the magic of storytelling didn’t fade for others.

Driven to keep the love for reading alive, Michelle began recording herself reading her family’s favourite stories, sharing the videos with friends and fellow school moms to brighten the long days of isolation.

“This grew in popularity, and I was asked to share it online for more families to join. So, Facebook LIVE, and then a daily ZOOM meeting developed,” Michelle tells Good Things Guy.

Her readings became an incredible way to connect children who hadn’t seen each other in weeks due to school closures, bringing the excitement of meeting new friends who had joined online from other provinces and countries.

“The daily sessions were a highlight, and we went through lots of news of tooth fairy visits, new pets, new plant or bread experiments, as well as lots and lots of books.”

Michelle soon found herself in the fortunate position to connect with several authors around the world, who gave her permission to either read-aloud their books online, or provide her with book copies to read to the ZOOM story time sessions she hosted.

“It was an incredible time for literacy and building an excitement around storybooks. My brand “StoriesbyShelley” was born, and it has been a continued delight,” she reflects.

Once the lockdown ban was lifted, Michelle set out to find a venue where she could host regular story time events. She was surprised to discover that not many places, libraries or bookshops, offered this as a regular weekly event.

“There were a handful that focused just during school holidays, but sadly, nothing that was regular. So, I approached Kloof Public Library. They were delighted with the idea, and for the past four years, I have been hosting story time every Thursday morning at the library.”

Michelle says the excitement from the children when they walk into the library and see the cushions and chairs arranged for story time is bar none. Some of the brightest wide eyes belong to children who had never been inside a library before learning about her storytime sessions.

“I am grateful for my online presence, as this has encouraged many to come along just to listen to ‘live storytime’, but more so, the joy I get seeing new families forming friendships and shared love for books.”

Salome Meyer, a librarian at Kloof Public Library, has seen a huge growth in popularity for the library since the commencement of the storytime, and acknowledges that the upliftment and community support have been a big contributing factor in keeping this KZN library open, especially when many are sadly closing around the province.

Michelle is grateful for her passion and knows that every small bit of kindness can make changes in the world around us. She hopes that her simple yet profound idea will inspire others to take the plunge in fostering a culture of reading in their own neighbourhoods.

“My volunteering and reading are not something unique, and I honestly appeal to all of those who feel the need to try and do something for their community, to reach out and start a small storytime in their neighbourhood library – you will be pleasantly surprised by the joy and happiness it will bring those around you. I hope that I inspire others to try something small like this, too.”