Johannesburg’s biggest and most beloved book sale is making a return on 4 and 5 October 2025 at the Joburg City Library. The sale is hosted once a year by the Friends of the Johannesburg Public Library, and you’re in a massive selection of second-hand books starting from R5. Here’s what you need to know.
What to expect at the upcoming book sale
This book sale in Johannesburg is widely known for its massive bargains and diverse selection of publications, giving everyone a chance to find a range of genres to their taste. Browse art coffee table books, arts and crafts, fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and Africana.
“The Friends of the Library Bumper Book Sale has become a noteworthy annual event,” says the Chair of the Friends, Zara Natali. “The fact that it runs over two days allows people to shop without the pressure of losing out. We have seen people from all walks of life benefit from our previous sales, from book collectors and bookworms to families with kids and schools coming to stock up their own libraries.”
All proceeds from the book sale go towards supporting the City of Johannesburg Public Libraries and its reading programmes, namely Battle of the Books, Story Skirmish and Science Scuffle, as well as to improve service delivery.
More about The Friends of the Greater Johannesburg Public Library
The Friends of the Greater Johannesburg Public Library was established in 1999 as a volunteer-based initiative to assist and support libraries. Their mission is to enrich and supplement the library’s collection of books.
They are also actively involved in promoting literacy for the benefit of local Joburg communities and driving reading programmes to help increase literacy levels among school children. The team’s primary source of income is generated through book sales and a few ad-hoc financial donations.
Need to know before you go
Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday, 4 October and Sunday, 5 October, from 9am to 4:30pm on both days
Where: Johannesburg City Library, 22 Solomon Street, Braamfontein (1-2 km from 44 Stanley and Egoli Gas), Johannesburg
Website: cojlibrary.overdrive.com
Email: [email protected] (Dion Govender)
Tel: 082 777 0752
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