During winter, your number of outdoor outings will likely decrease to few and far in between. There aren’t many exciting excursions that come to mind as easily as a picnic in the park or a trip to the beach throughout these chilly months. But for bookworms, however, there is the chance to indulge in a niche shopping spree indoors. Independent book stores are the ideal place where getting lost among stacks of books equals great fun – plus, it’s a warmer option, too. In the list below, we round up a few spots where whiling the hours away lazily is encouraged. Cosy reading nooks abound!
Kalahari Books, Orange Grove
Kalahari Books is a unique little book store that houses over 70 000 titles, specialising in out-of-print fiction by popular authors of the past as well as a collection of credible books on sailing.
Where to find it? The Garret at Tuxedo Junction, Orange Grove, Johannesburg.
Dustcovers Bookshop, Nieu-Bethesda
Image courtesy of Sarina Engelbrecht
Dustcovers is a quaint store, located in the quiet and charming setting of the small-town of Nieu-Bethesda. It would be remiss to not sit beside the store’s fireplace with a book in one and and a cuppa in the other, so don’t hesitate to pay it a visit soon.
Where to find it? Hudson Street, Nieu-Bethesda.
Ike’s Books and Collectables, Durban
This lovely book shop adds new titles to its shelves each week, which includes both second-hand antique and newly-published texts. You’ll find a mix of everything here, from volumes of African history and Marxism texts to the slithering reptiles of Tanzania.
Where to find it? 48a Florida Road, Durban.
The Book Cottage, Hermanus
The Book Cottage has been a devoted patron of preserving and celebrating literature since its establishment in 1996. Here, you’ll find an array of books in different genres, as well as a few special music-related items.
Where to find it? 32 Mitchell Street, Hermanus.
Love Books, Melville
This beautifully-curated bookshop is located in the thriving suburb of Melville in Johannesburg. With its extensive collection of books and regular events (including readings for the little ones), you’ll not want to let another weekend of not visiting this store slip by.
Where to find it? The Bamboo Lifestyle Centre, 53 Rustenburg Road, Melville.
The Book Lounge, Cape Town
The Book Lounge first opened its doors in 2007, and its warm reception has continued to flourish ever since. At this gem, nestled within Cape Town’s CBD, the coffee is excellent, the books are extraordinary, and the staff are every-friendly and insightful. A book-browse here comes highly recommended.
Where to find it? 71 Roeland St, Cape Town.
Kalk Bay Books, Kalk Bay
Image courtesy of Kalk Bay Books
As a seaside-located independent book store, Kalk Bay Books offers that little bit extra. Inside, you’ll find a large selection of local and international contemporary fiction and non-fiction texts for all ages. What could be better than perusing niche book titles with the scent of the ocean in the air? Bliss!
Where to find it? 124 Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town.
Bibliohphile, Clarens
In the small-town of Clarens, bookworms will stumble upon the Bibliophile book store where novels, maps, puzzles, and even audio books are to be found. You’ll undoubtedly enjoy spending time in this cosy setting!
Where to find it? 312 Church Street, Clarens, Free State.
Bridge Books, Johannesburg
Bridge Books is a significant supporter of African authors, serving as a mediator between small South African publishers and retailers in order to disseminate these texts across cities more fully. With a newly-opened second store (both in Johannesburg), bookworms have the chance to browse through old and new titles in two well-appointed, contemporary spaces.
Clarke’s Bookshop, Cape Town
Established in 1956, this ultra-cosy bookshop holds a dear spot in the very heart of the Mother City. A plethora of African texts are stored within its walls, including texts published in: Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, and Botswana. There are new, as well as second-hand and out-of-print books to be bought – the diverse array of novels and art texts to be found are just astounding!
Where to find it? 199 Long Street, Cape Town.
By Features Writer Marike Watson
