Many know the feeling of finishing a good book, but an even better feeling is picking up a new one. There’s a growing host of bookshops across Joburg and beyond, some offering delicious treats, others providing even better coffee, but what they all have in common is that they’re the perfect place to get lost in a good book.
Bridge Books
Griffin Shea began selling books out of his suitcase, and before long, he launched Bridge Books, an independent bookshop located in the historic Barbican building in Joburg’s City Centre.
For lovers of African literature, the store specialises in new and secondhand titles by South African and African writers and poets. It also routinely hosts literary events, including poetry readings and storytelling hours. If you’re looking for a bite while supporting local and African voices, the bookshop does offer coffee, and there are nearby cafes like Troy’s Café providing treats to indulge in as you get lost in African literature.
When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, 9am to 4pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: 89 Helen Joseph St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg
Website: bridgebooks.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 071 892 8830
L’Elephant Terrible
Tucked inside 44 Stanley, L’Elephant Terrible Bookshop is one of Joburg’s most distinctive independent bookshops, offering a book selection that is anything but terrible, featuring classic literature, rare Africana titles and unexpected finds.
L’Elephant Terrible is also next door to Bean There, allowing you to sit down for a cup of Fairtrade coffee as you dig into your latest unique literary find. Beyond literary rarities, L’Elephant Terrible regularly hosts book launches, author talks, discussions, and other events, bringing together writers, readers, and creative thinkers.
When: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Sunday, 10am to 3pm.
Where: 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg
Website: terrible.elephant | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 062 437 8958
Love Books
Love Books has become a cornerstone of Joburg’s literary scene, selling carefully curated, new and local books in a small, intimate setting.
The venue regularly hosts book launches, readings, and conversations, and its adjacent neighbour, the restaurant and deli Service Station, offers delicious bites as you dig into a tasty slice of carrot cake and your latest read.
When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, 9am to 4pm. Sunday, 9am to 2pm.
Where: The Bamboo Lifestyle Centre, 53 Rustenburg Rd, Melville, Johannesburg
Website: lovebooks.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 726 7408
Jenny’s Book Shop
Jenny’s Book Shop is an eclectic bookshop you can spend hours in without realising.
The small bookshop stocks second-hand books of good quality, ranging from art, history, and novels to children’s books and non-fiction, and even features a small section of collectable editions, catering to both casual readers and serious collectors.
When: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm. Saturday to Sunday, 9.30am to 2pm.
Where: Shop 16, Blairgowrie Plaza, 70 Conrad Dr, Blairgowrie, Randburg, Johannesburg
Website: jennysbookshop.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 765 2227
Dibukafé
Dibukafé is a concept born of the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and the Dibuka Francophone Multimedia Library, blending reading, culture, and conversation between South Africa and France.
Visitors can borrow and return books from a wide and finely-curated selection and then step into the Skinner Café for a quiet Parisian read.
When: Tuesday to Wednesday, 9.30am to 6pm. Thursday, 9.30am to 7pm. Friday to Saturday, 9.30am to 2pm. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
Where: 70 Juta Street in Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: frenchinstitute.org.za/arts_cat/dibuka-francophone-library | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 727 5101
Rick’s Bookshop
Rick’s Bookshop specialises in rare, collectable, and antiquarian books, from hard-to-find classics to forgotten treasures that deserve a place on your shelf.
The shop is notoriously jam-packed, with shelves upon shelves boasting literary treasures that stretch towards the ceiling, greeting book nerds with the comforting scent of aged paper and the thrill of hunting for unexpected discoveries.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Monday to Tuesday, 9am to 4pm.
Where: 35 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Randburg, Johannesburg
Website: www.instagram.com/ricksbookshop | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 081 448 6079
Collector’s Treasury
Established in 1974 and owned by 2 brothers, the Collector’s Treasury is allegedly the largest used bookshop in the Southern Hemisphere. The shop houses over a million books, vinyl records, antique dining sets, and other collectables, and anyone who’s stepped into the space knows that this is anything but an exaggeration.
The Collector’s Treasury is eight floors tall and filled to the brim with books and other vintage items, turning a literary day out into a full-blown adventure as you go digging through a vast and captivating selection.
When: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 2pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: CTP House, 244 Commissioner St, City and Suburban, Johannesburg
Website: www.collectorstreasury.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 334 6556/078 360 7749 (Whatsapp)
Book Circle Capital
Book Circle Capital is an independent bookshop platforming African literature with the finest collection of stories told by Africans, African-Americans, Africans in the diaspora and local authors.
The bookshop not only shares stories to preserve and promote African heritage but also promotes a reading culture, particularly among South African children and youth, with regular literary events.
When: Monday to Saturday, 09.30am to 4.30pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: Shop 17 – 19, Melville 27 Boxes, 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg
Website: bookcapital.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 066 408 4992
Bookdealers of Melville
A well-known local second-hand bookshop that has been running for over 30 years, Bookdealers of Melville invites students, academics, and collectors looking for quality new and second-hand books. The bookshop has become such a staple that news of its potential closure sent shockwaves through the Joburg literary community.
Thankfully, the shop only moved a few streets down, next to a neighbouring coffee shop, The Sourcery, where it continues to offer its extensive selection of books across numerous genres
When: Monday, 9am to 5.30pm. Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Sunday, 9am to 4pm.
Where: 12 7th St, Melville, Johannesburg,
Website: www.bookdealers.co.za | Tel: 011 726 4054
Chapter 1 Books
Chapter 1 Books is an independent bookshop that has earned a reputation for its extensive collection of second-hand, rare, and out-of-print books, attracting readers who enjoy discovering unique literary treasures.
When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9am to 6pm. Wednesday, 9am to 5.30pm. Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 2pm.
Where: 67 Grant Ave, Norwood, Johannesburg
Website: www.chapter1.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 483 1899
Books Galore
Books Galore is a Joburg-based second-hand bookshop franchise with branches across Gauteng, including Linden, Lonehill, Edenvale, and Roodepoort. They also have an online sister company, Hardcopy Book, and, alongside their various branches, the online store is well-stocked and offers a host of literary treasures.
The bookshop also buys current bestsellers, kiddies’ books and highly sought-after, out-of-print and collectable books for cash.
When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, 9am to 4pm. Sunday, 9am to 2pm.
Where: Books Galore, Shop 3, Northcliff Galleries, Hocky Road, Northcliff, Johannesburg
Website: booksgalore.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 541 1370/ 066 253 9292 (WhatsApp only)
David Krut Books
David Krut Books is a specialist bookshop, specialising in art, design, photography, architecture, and South African culture. As a result, the bookshop has become a popular spot for artists, students, collectors, and cultural enthusiasts passionate about the creative arts. Featuring a curated collection of local and international publications, the bookshop also encourages young people to explore careers in the visual arts through books, discussions, and creative programmes.
When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, 9am to 4pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: 151 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Website: www.davidkrutbookstores.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 880 5648
Greendale House Thrift Shops
Formerly known as HospiceWits, Greendale House Thrift Shops feature an assortment of clothing, household objects, furniture, and well-priced fiction and non-fiction books. The shops are located in Orange Grove, Parkmore, Kensington, and Norwood, with all purchases resulting in a good book and also supporting an excellent and much-needed cause.
The shop also accepts pre-loved items to bring comfort to those who need it most.
When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, 8am to 4pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: 151 Jan Smuts Ave, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Website: greendalehouse.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 728 1052
The Commune
A radical bookshop, coffee shop and reference library, The Commune has, with great care, selected books that reflect its collective commitment to revolutionary politics. The community-centred, collectively-run bookshop and not-for-profit organisation covers everything from grassroots social movements, decolonisation and environmentalism to queer theory, disability studies and prison abolition, with a healthy dose of art, poetry and fiction.
When: Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 3pm. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
Where: 14 Reserve St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Website: www.thecommune.org.za | Email: [email protected]
Rainbow Books
This bright and cheerful second-hand bookshop features a large collection of children’s books and toys and some fantasy dress-up costumes. There’s also a strong selection of Christian, drama, romance, teen mystery, suspense and Afrikaans books on offer.
When: Tuesday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm. Saturday, 8.30am to 3.30pm. Sunday, 8.30am to 2pm. Closed on Monday.
Where: Shop 10 Hennops View Shopping Centre, Blackwood Road, Hennops Park Centurion
Website: rainbowbooks.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 660 1910
Rutland Books
Rutland Books is a second-hand bookshop featuring over 50 000 books on shelves across 13 rooms.
In addition to selling books that are clean and in good condition, booklovers are encouraged to bring books to Rutland Books to trade in for 50% off new purchases or exchange on a selective basis.
Additionally, books they cannot use are redistributed to selected charities or other places where they will find a good home.
When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Saturday, 9am to 2pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: 75 Soutpansberg Rd, Riviera, Pretoria
Tel: 079 354 0655
The Book Keeper Shop
The Book Keeper Shop in Pretoria East offers a curated literary escape, offering book fiends hand-picked titles across diverse genres, including children’s and adult books in both English and Afrikaans.
Qualified accountant, biblophile and owner Rachelle carefully hand-selects every book on the shelves, ensuring a diverse range of bestsellers that cater to unique reading tastes, and the intimate layout makes you feel right at home as you explore unexpected literary gems.
When: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: Shop 2C, In-Shere Lifestyle Centre, 4 Graham Road, Shere, Pretoria
Website: www.thebookkeepershop.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 065 575 1125 (Whatsapp)
Protea Aristata Boekwinkel
Aristata Boekwinkel is a bookshop in Hatfield providing an essential hub for students, academics, and avid readers.
As its name is taken from the Protea Aristata, a rare and indigenous plant native to the Klein Swartberg Mountains, the bookshop caters to local heritage, stocking books that explore South African history, cultural studies, and indigenous environments. The store is also deeply committed to Afrikaans literature, offering readers a massive selection of classical and contemporary Afrikaans titles, featuring various genres.
When: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Saturday, 8am to 1pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: 1067 Burnett St, Hatfield, Pretoria
Website: aristata.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 051 3089
Lizmar Books
Lizmar Books is a highly successful chain of secondhand bookshops in Pretoria, with branches in Doringkloof, Equestria, Wierdapark, Monumentpark, and Constantia Park.
Across every branch, the bookshop offers a massive, diverse collection of used literature that includes the newest bestsellers, rare collector’s items, or out-of-print classics, satisfying the curiosity of every single visitor.
When: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Saturday, 9am to 2pm. Closed on Sunday.
Where: Monument Park Shopping Centre, 79 Skilpad Rd, Monument Park, Pretoria
Website: www.facebook.com/LizmarBooksMonumentpark | Tel: 069 566 2130
Wize Books
Wize Books is a Pretoria-based bookshop dedicated to providing accessible and affordable educational materials.
The store bridges the gap between expensive educational tools and student budgets by running an active secondhand book section whereby learners sell their unused textbooks for cash, which provides students on a budget with much more affordable options.
When: Peak Season (16 Jan – 28 Feb / 17 Jul – 04 Aug) – Monday to Thursday, 7am to 7pm. Friday, 7am to 6pm. Saturday, 8am to 2pm. Non – Peak Season (Rest of the Year) – Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Saturday, 9am to 1pm.
Where: 1116 Prospect St, Hatfield, Pretoria
Website: www.wizebooks.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 362 5885
MegaBooks
MegaBooks invites book lovers to explore an extensive collection of over 25 000 pre-loved and new titles spanning a variety of genres.
In providing a literary haven, MegaBooks seemingly endless aisles cater to an immense variety of tastes and encourages readers to truly take their time with the books.
When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday, 9am to 2pm. Sunday, 9am to 1pm.
Where: Faeriedale Shopping Centre, Cliffendale Dr, Faerie Glen, Pretoria
Website: megabooks.co.za | Tel: 069 720 3470 (Whatsapp)
Magic Tree Books
Magic Tree Books is a charming secondhand bookshop featuring a curated collection of quality preloved books.
The shop creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to uncover hidden literary gems and ignite your imagination.
When: Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm. Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm. Closed on Monday.
Where: 1051 Pierneef St, Villieria, Pretoria
Website: www.instagram.com/magic_tree_books | Tel: 012 3338 690
Graffiti Books
Graffiti Books offers an exceptional selection of both English and Afrikaans literature and keeps a comprehensive catalogue of Afrikaans fiction, non-fiction, and study guides.
The store also offers a fantastic selection of children’s books, with delicately curated collections designed to spark imagination and instill a love of reading in younger generations.
When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Saturday, 9am to 3pm. Sunday, 9am to 1pm.
Where: Shop 3, Zambezi Junction South Mall, 522 Breed St, Montana, Pretoria
Website: graffitibooks.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 548 2356
