The City of Johannesburg is celebrating a landmark in its literary and architectural heritage as the Johannesburg City Library (JCL) turns 90 on Wednesday, 6 August 2025. Standing proudly on Albertina Sisulu Road, this iconic institution has long been a sanctuary for knowledge seekers, earning its place as one of Johannesburg’s oldest and most cherished buildings.
The building is modelled in an Italianate style with a grand collonaded façade and sweeping marble staircase. JLC has served as both a repository of information and a symbol of inclusivity. Since opening its doors in 1935, the library has transformed from its humble beginnings — a corrugated iron structure in 1893 — into a cultural landmark that broke racial barriers by desegregating its reading rooms in 1974. Here’s what you need to know.
The legacy of Johannesburg City Library
The Johannesburg City Library offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors, blending historical grand design with modern relevance. Inside, the main reading hall impresses with its high ceilings, intricate wooden carvings, and ornate light fittings that echo the city’s early 20th-century elegance.
The library houses a renowned Africana collection, featuring rare books, archival photographs, and historical maps that document Johannesburg’s growth and struggles. Beyond its shelves, the city library has become a vibrant community hub, offering digital literacy workshops, public talks, and art exhibitions. There’s a children’s section that nurtures a love of reading through interactive storytelling sessions, while quiet study areas and rooftop reading terraces provide tranquil spaces for reflection.
The recent refurbishments have preserved its architectural beauty while enhancing access to resources, reaffirming JCL’s status as a living archive of the city’s cultural and intellectual journey.
Need to know before you go
When: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on Saturday and Sunday, although the reopening event will take place on Saturday, 9 August
Where: Albertina Sisulu Rd &, Pixley Ka Isaka Seme St, Johannesburg
Website: joburg.org.za
Tel: 011 407 7710
Facebook: @JoburgLibraries
