Discover Joburg’s Hidden Gems: Second-Hand Bookstores

I recently stumbled upon a fascinating world hiding in the heart of Joburg – a collection of second-hand bookshops that offer a treasure trove of literary wonders. Exploring these unique stores not only brings joy to book lovers like myself, but also supports local businesses and promotes sustainable practices. Let me share my excitement with you and take you on a journey through these hidden gems.

When entering these bookshops, you’ll instantly feel a cozy ambiance enveloping you. The scent of old books lingers in the air, whispering secrets from the past. Rows upon rows of books line the shelves, waiting to be discovered, each with its own story to tell. The sight alone sparks curiosity and invites you to dive into the magic that lies within.

As you browse through the stacks, you’ll find a wide array of genres and topics. From classic literature and historical non-fiction to thrilling mysteries and heartwarming romance, there’s something for everyone. These bookstores cater to diverse tastes and offer the opportunity to stumble upon unexpected literary gems.

In addition to their vast selection, these second-hand bookshops have a charm that cannot be replicated elsewhere. The knowledgeable bookstore owners and staff are passionate about literature and are always ready to engage in lively discussions with fellow book enthusiasts. They are a wealth of information, providing recommendations and guiding you towards new authors and genres you may not have considered before.

Furthermore, the prices in these stores are often more affordable compared to retail bookstores. This means you can indulge in your passion for reading without emptying your wallet. The joy of scoring a rare edition or finding a long-lost favorite at a fraction of the price is unparalleled.

Exploring these hidden gems not only allows you to build your personal library but also contributes to the cultural fabric of the city. By supporting local bookshops, you help create a thriving literary community and foster a love for books in others. Once you experience the delight of discovering a hidden gem in Joburg’s second-hand bookstores, you’ll understand why they are cherished by locals and visitors alike.

So, why not take a break from the digital age and immerse yourself in the tangible pleasure of flipping through the pages of a real book? Reconnect with the charm of the written word and embark on a journey through some of Joburg’s most beloved literary havens. Your next literary adventure awaits, just waiting to be found within the enchanting walls of these second-hand bookstores.

So, I’m always on the lookout for interesting stories, and recently I decided to explore the independent bookshops in Johannesburg, the city where I live. Let me tell you, it was quite an adventure!

Johannesburg has a long and rich history of second-hand bookshops. For many people, buying new books was simply too expensive due to the weak currency and limited availability. This led to the rise of these local bookshops, which not only provided affordable books but also became an integral part of the city’s culture. The love for books runs deep in Johannesburg’s veins.

One of the bookshops I visited was the renowned Collectors Treasury. This place is a treasure trove of books, with its shelves stacked high with novels, biographies, and everything in between. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by an incredible aroma of old books, which instantly transported me to a different time. It was like stepping into a literary wonderland.

Hey there! Wanna hear about this awesome bookstore I found? It’s called Collectors Treasury, and let me tell you, it’s massive! With over 2 million books spread over five floors, it’s the biggest second-hand bookshop in southern Africa. Pretty impressive, huh?

The place is owned and run by the Klass family, specifically brothers Geoff and Jonathan. These guys are huge book lovers, let me tell you. And Geoff’s wife, Jenny, takes care of all the marketing for the store.

When I asked Geoff for advice on how to navigate this book-lover’s paradise, he simply said, “Follow your interests!” And honestly, he’s right. With so many titles to choose from, you’ll definitely find something that catches your eye.

Personally, I recommend going when you have plenty of time on your hands. There’s just so much to explore! They’ve got everything from Greek and Roman classics to philosophy, motoring, weapons, and even books about World War II. Oh, and the photography section is incredible. I couldn’t tear myself away!

Geoff also told me this amazing story about a book they found on a rubbish dump. Can you believe it? That book ended up being worth a whopping R60,000! It just goes to show that you never know what hidden treasures you might find here.

Hey there, I’m excited to share something cool with you! At Collectors Treasury, we have it all – from unique antiques to a massive collection of vinyl records. You won’t believe the gems we have, like that rare Elvis and Janice vinyl made right here in South Africa. It’s like stepping back in time!

If you’re into antiques or vinyl records, this is the place for you. You can find us at CTP House, 244 Commissioner Street, City and Suburban. It’s a treasure trove just waiting to be explored.

So, whether you’re a history enthusiast or a music lover, come on down and discover the wonders of Collectors Treasury. We can’t wait to see you here!

The Commune

Welcome to The Commune, a unique and extraordinary place that combines a radical bookstore, a cozy coffee shop, and a vast reference library. Here, we do things differently, embracing alternative ways of organizing and fostering a strong sense of community. Our non-profit organization is nestled in Braamfontein on Reserve Street, where you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find yourself immersed in a lush environment reminiscent of a forest.

At The Commune, we are fueled by our passion for revolutionary politics. Our dedicated team of eight individuals curates an impressive collection of books that span a wide range of topics. From grassroots social movements to environmentalism, queer theory, and disability studies, we cover it all. And if you’re in the mood for some literary escapism, we also offer a selection of art books, poetry collections, and fiction works.

But what truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to community. During the recent student protests, The Commune served as a safe haven for students to gather and find solace. We believe that by providing a supportive space, we can empower individuals and contribute to meaningful change.

Hey there! Want to discover a hidden gem in the heart of Braamfontein? Look no further than The Commune, located at 14 Reserve Street. This cozy spot not only offers fantastic coffee, but they also serve delicious vegan cakes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with a hot cup of joe and a delectable treat.

But that’s not all! If you’re a bookworm, you’ll definitely want to check out L’Elephant Terrible Bookshop. This bookstore is a real treasure trove, filled with an incredible selection of books that will whisk you away to different worlds and spark your imagination. Whether you’re into fiction, non-fiction, or even graphic novels, this place has something for everyone. So make sure to stop by and get lost in the magical world of books.

The story behind L’Elephant Terrible is quite remarkable. It all started with Wolfgang and Gundi Weinek, a loving couple who shared a deep love for books. The inspiration for the bookstore’s unique name came from an incident they witnessed during a trip to the zoo. They saw an elephant engaging in some rather amorous behavior and this sparked a conversation among a group of school children, where the concept of such goings-on was explained in the most innocent way possible.

Wolfgang, a founding trustee of the Market Gallery and former trustee of the Market Theatre, began sharing his passion for books back in 1987. Together with Gundi, they embarked on this literary journey, setting up shop in a market located within the Market Theatre building.

Unfortunately, Wolfgang is no longer with us, but Gundi continues their shared passion at a quaint shop in the 44 Stanley development in Millpark. On a brisk autumn morning, I had the pleasure of meeting Cati, Gundi’s daughter, who occasionally lends her mom a helping hand. She proudly shared that her parents have always been ardent advocates for access to literature, and thus, the idea of an independent bookstore was the natural next step in their mission.

“I love being here,” Cati says, her eyes sparkling as we stroll through this special place dedicated to the written word. She shares a charming story of a young man who used a cleverly placed note in a book to propose to his beloved.

The assortment of books here is quite diverse, but my personal favorite is the collection of Africana works. They offer a unique glimpse into a rich and vibrant culture.

You can find L’Elephant Terrible Bookshop located at 44 Stanley Avenue, Millpark.

And let’s not forget about James Findlay Collectable Books and Antique Maps. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan of rare books and historical maps.

If you’re searching for a unique bookshop experience, look no further than James and Kate Findlay’s hidden gem in downtown Joburg. Their bookstore, located in the basement of the historic Rand Club, truly stands out from the crowd.

James, a well-respected figure in the book trade, has countless fascinating tales to tell about the treasures that have passed through his hands. And trust me, they have quite the selection. Their diverse stock covers everything from the captivating history of Johannesburg to the gripping stories of the Boer War. But that’s not all – you’ll also find a wide array of non-fiction titles that are sure to pique your interest.

What sets this bookstore apart is their keen eye for the extraordinary. James is constantly on the lookout for books that you simply won’t find anywhere else. He prides himself on offering a collection that is truly one-of-a-kind. And if you’re a collector or a book aficionado, you’re in for a treat. James occasionally sells collectible and rare books through auctions, ensuring that true enthusiasts have a chance to add these special editions to their personal libraries.

So here’s the thing about antique maps, let me tell you. James, my buddy, he shows me this real old one, like dating all the way back to 1619. And you know what it shows? Africa, that whole continent. Isn’t that something? Crazy to think about how far we’ve come.

Cartography, that’s what they call it. It’s filled with all these wild stories. See, back in the day, they didn’t want any blank maps just sitting around. So they filled ’em up with all sorts of stuff, even some questionable things. Can you believe it? They’d mark those unknown areas as “here be dragons.” I mean, who even knows what they were thinking, right? But when you look back at those old maps, it’s like you’re seeing a little piece of history.

Now, let me tell you about something else James has in his collection. Political posters, can you believe it? Yeah, that’s right. These ones are from the apartheid era. They were printed in Botswana by the Medu Art Ensemble and then smuggled into South Africa. You know why? To fight against that unjust system. People were brave back then, let me tell you. These posters are like pieces of art that carry so much meaning, you know what I’m saying? They’re a reminder of what we’ve overcome.