Johannesburg’s Favourite Book Sale Returns This October With Bargains From Just R5

If there’s one weekend every year that Joburg’s bookworms mark on their calendars, it’s the Friends of the Johannesburg Public Library Book Sale. The city’s most beloved book hunt returns on Saturday, 4 October and Sunday, 5 October 2025, and promises two full days of treasure-hunting through thousands of second-hand books some starting at just R5.

Why This Sale Matters to Joburg

More than just a bargain bin, this annual book sale has grown into a community ritual. Held at the Johannesburg City Library in Braamfontein, it attracts everyone from avid collectors and casual readers to schools and families looking to fill their shelves. In a city where books are often out of reach price-wise, this event is a rare chance for residents to access a world of stories, knowledge and art.

Zara Natali, Chair of the Friends of the Library, says the two-day format has been a game-changer. “It allows people to shop without the panic of missing out. We’ve seen people from all walks of life benefit from collectors to parents and even schools stocking up their libraries.”

What You’ll Find on the Tables

Expect long rows of tables stacked high with everything from coffee table art books and Africana to fiction, non-fiction, children’s favourites and practical guides. The selection is vast and diverse, meaning that whether you’re after an affordable bedtime story, a rare historical title, or a DIY craft book, you’re likely to stumble upon it here.

Supporting More Than Just Reading

Every rand spent at the sale goes right back into Joburg’s public libraries. Proceeds fund essential literacy programmes like Battle of the Books, Story Skirmish and Science Scuffle, initiatives that nurture a love of reading in schoolchildren across the city. In a country where literacy remains a challenge, the impact of these programmes is huge.

The Friends of the Greater Johannesburg Public Library, founded in 1999, is a volunteer-driven organisation with a simple mission: to support the city’s libraries and enrich collections. Their passion has kept this sale alive year after year, proving that small community-driven efforts can make a big difference.

Need to Know Before You Go

• Dates: Saturday, 4 October & Sunday, 5 October 2025

• Time: 9am – 4:30pm daily

• Venue: Johannesburg City Library, 22 Solomon Street, Braamfontein

• Entry: Free

• Contact: Dion Govender | Tel: 082 777 0752 | Email: [email protected]

  {Source:Whats On in Joburg }

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