Johannesburg

The Underground Booksellers walking tour

Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00–12:30       95 Commissioner St, City Centre
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Join Griffin Shea of downtown bookshop Bridge Books for a guided walk through the inner-city’s literary culture, tracing Joburg’s informal book trade and its rich reading culture. The walk starts at the independent bookshop Bridge Books located at the Rand Club, before a literary walk through the city. 

The route includes stops at a religious bookseller, the original Central News Agency building, and James Findlay Collectables at the Rand Club (note that the club might be closed for private events). The journey also takes you to booksellers in street markets, a spaza shop, a Nigerian importer and you'll see the beautifully renovated exterior of the City Library, although it's currently closed for roof repairs. During the visit, you'll learn about how books circulate through the informal economy and explore the history of bookselling in Johannesburg which includes the first black-run library, in the era of censorship and book burning and the innovative ways modern readers discover books.

It is advisable to bring some small notes in cash to buy books on the way. There is secure parking available in front of the Rand Club.

Date

Venue

Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:00–12:30 Aug 30 2023 - Dec 15 2023
Bridge Books
95 Commissioner St, City Centre
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