Book lovers should mark their calendars on 7 and 8 October for one of Johannesburg’s biggest and most beloved bumper book sales.
The sale is hosted by the Friends of the Johannesburg Public Libraries in collaboration with the Library and Information Services of the City of Johannesburg.
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Over the years, the sale has grown and become widely known for its incredible bargains on a diverse selection of books.
The Johannesburg Public Library was established in the 90s by friends who enjoyed reading. It grew from strength to strength when people started donating old books they no longer had a use for.
“The book sale is now very popular among book lovers and people who just want to donate books to the cause,” said chair of the Friends of the Johannesburg Public Libraries, Zara Natalie. “With these donations, we support organisations that have reading programmes for children.”
On sale will be fiction, non-fiction, children’s Afrikaans books and art books. Much like last year, there will be thousands of second-hand books to choose from, all ranging from between R10 and R20. There will also be an eclectic variety of collectable books priced between R20 to R200.
The Johannesburg Library Bumper Book Sale has become a noteworthy annual event. The fact that it runs over two days allows for people to shop without the pressure of losing out.
“We have seen people from all walks of life benefit from our previous sales, from book collectors and bookworms to families with kids and schools coming to stock up their own libraries,” said Natalie.
The sale will be held at the City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services offices, located at 22 Solomon Street (corner Smit Street), Braamfontein. Doors open at 9am and close at 4.30am on both days plus there is free, secure parking available.
The proceeds from the book sale go towards supporting the City of Johannesburg Public Libraries and its reading programmes, Battle of the Books, Story Skirmish and Science Scuffle.
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“One of the main objectives of the Bumper Book Sale is to provide a positive impact on reading development and literacy at primary and high school level,” said deputy director of the Johannesburg Library, Atilla Lourens. “We are grateful for the Friends of the Library who provide assistance which is of huge value to the people benefitting from the reading and literacy programmes. Books are our salvation.”
While exchanging ideas with fellow book lovers, shoppers can get off to an early start on their Christmas shopping lists and spend with the knowledge that their money is giving back to a worthy cause.
