Little Libraries are a blessing to bookworms, they are placed in parks and neighbourhoods to promote sharing and reading, but where are they in South Africa?
South Africa – The other day someone asked where our local library was. We had zero ideas where but a quick Google showed us that there are only three libraries near us, and the closest is a ten-minute drive away. So where can a person get books without spending a small fortune? Besides public libraries, there are also little libraries.
A Little Library is an unmanned storage unit, so to speak, usually, a small cabinet on a pole but sometimes something genuinely whimsical that is filled with books. The books are placed there by members of the public and can be taken at will.
The system relies wholly on honesty. The principle is that if you take a book, you should place a book. We were recently tagged in a post about a new Little Free Library that was placed at ‘Die Handelsmark’ restaurant in the Eastern Cape, the first of its kind in the region.
This inspired us to find out where there are more? These are the ones we know of so far. Let us know exactly where you have seen one recently, and we will add it to the list.
Gauteng
- Lonehill, Johannesburg North – The free library is on Concourse Crescent by the greenbelt. (Pictured above)
- Westdene, Benoni – Korsman’s Bird Sanctuary
- Emmarentia, Johannesburg – Emmarentia Botanical Garden, Thomas Bowler entrance.
North West
- Meiringspark, Klerksdorp – 3 Wilco Street (Photographed below by Debbie Visser) – Street Reads
Eastern Cape
Patensie, Sara Baartman – ‘Die Handelsmark’ restaurant at 21 Willowmore Road
The Little Library was placed at Die Handelsmark in collaboration with Youth Potential South Africa (YOUPSA) to help boost access to books.
“Books are scarce in this part of the world and there is no bookshop far and wide. This is only the fifth Little Free Library in South Africa.
These free neighbourhood book exchange cabinets number more than 90,000 around the world, in 85 countries. They build communities, spark creativity, and inspire readers.” – YOUPSA
If this is something you think would thrive in your community, you can find all the details on how to start one here.
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I recently found a Little Library at the tiny holiday village on the Riet River on the Sunshine Coast, EC. I have a photo but can’t figure out how to upload it. The name Little Free Library is trademarked and if one calls it that specifically, it should be registered with the org and given a number. But any other names are OK. I love the idea and would love to see the idea grow here.