It was just before Easter that my husband first spotted a post on Facebook that caught his eye: Brick Club South Africa. My son is obsessed with building and different shapes, so that first Saturday morning we even took grandma along. She was impressed and quickly gave her stamp of approval, agreeing that this was a fantastic activity for him.
Since then, it has become a staple in our calendar. The club is a donation-powered, volunteer-driven initiative that sets up shop every four weeks at the Somerset West Public Library. We went again this past Saturday, 27 June 2026, and there seemed to be even more participants than usual, likely because the school holidays have just kicked off.
The atmosphere inside the library’s activity area is noticeably relaxed. One of the things I appreciate most is the lack of pressure. Kids are not told they have to build something specific, or even something big or traditionally ‘nice’. They are truly just exploring and being themselves.
While some of the older children are busy creating what I would honestly call impressive art pieces, others are simply experimenting with how the bricks fit together. It is a very inclusive environment; I loved seeing our five-year-old building at the same table as a ten-year-old. For the smaller ones, there is a dedicated play and building area specifically for children under five, which keeps the energy manageable.
The logistics are handled with a lot of personal care. After that first visit, we signed up on their WhatsApp group. The meetings are announced there by one of the librarians who honestly puts a lot of heart into the project. It feels like a genuine community effort, partnering with the library to create a free space for play using genuine LEGO bricks and minifigures.
The club runs for an hour, from 09:30 to 10:30, which seems to be the sweet spot for keeping the kids engaged without them getting overstimulated. Because it is powered by donations, the variety of pieces is quite something to see spread across the tables. It is a simple concept, but seeing the focus on the children’s faces as they work through their ideas makes it clear why it is becoming so popular in Somerset West. Given that it is free and inclusive, it has become a reliable way to spend a Saturday morning with the family.
I’m a wife, mother and local publisher who traded Johannesburg and two years abroad for life in Somerset West. Through HelderbergStuff, I share lifestyle stories, local discoveries and noteworthy developments across Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay. For media and collaboration enquiries: marina@helderbergstuff.co.za
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