#WeRead: Nita Swart shares her passion for reading

Nita Swart is the owner of a charming second-hand bookshop in Witpoortjie, called Nita’s Bookshop. She started her business 11 years ago in a tiny store, using just the books from her collection and those given to her by her mother and best friend. The business has grown substantially since its opening, and in 2018, Nita moved her store to its current location because the previous one had become too small.

The community has referred to Nita’s shop as ‘the best bookshop in the west.’ This is mainly because of Nita’s extensive knowledge of books and authors, and her passion for reading and the community.

Every month, Nita buys three new books to read; she keeps one at work, one at home and one in her bag for when she is out. She reads these books, and once she is done she sells them in her store as second-hand. This may seem excessive to some, but Nita’s favourite pastime is reading, and she says the best part of owning this bookstore is the conversations she can have with customers about the books. “Customers recommend books I never thought I would enjoy, and I end up loving them; I want to do that for them.”

Nita believes that reading is the core of all knowledge; if you cannot read, you cannot understand. This is why she said it is the community’s responsibility to expose their children to books.

“Parents should read to their children, and give them books that they will enjoy,” said Nita. She explained that finding books that will interest each individual child is important; you can’t just give your child any book and expect them to read. It will need to be a book they are interested in, which may take a bit of time to find but will be beneficial. Many children have convinced themselves that they dislike reading, but they just need to find the right book.

Nita enjoys thrillers, real-life books, and family books; her favorite author is Michael Connelly, an American author specialising in crime fiction and detective novels.

She opened the bookstore because she shares the belief of so many others, that books can transport you into new worlds and open your mind to new experiences. “It is a new experience every time I pick up a book.”

Her favourite thing about books, however, is quite beautiful. “Books are patient,” said Nita. She explained this statement by saying that they do not have a deadline, you can read them at your own pace and if you lose your place, you can go back a few pages and they won’t get angry. Books are the best way to relax and escape from the pressures of everyday life.

Nita’s shop is as popular as she is in the community. She has even been offered an opportunity to sell her store, which she politely declined because she can’t see herself doing anything else.