Independent and used bookstores have a distinct charm and appeal that is somewhat less present in larger chain bookstores or online retailers.
Perhaps this has something to do with the personal touch, unique selection, community support and sustainable practices involved in independent bookstore culture.
Here are six independent bookstores in Cape Town, some of which sell new copies, some of which sell pre-loved copies, and some of which sell both.
1. The Book Lounge
The Book Lounge is an independent bookstore in the heart of Cape Town’s business district. Its eclectic mix of books is as appealing as the historic building that houses them, with a floor-to-ceiling window display that entices you in for a look. And is there anything better than to lounge with a book?
The Book Lounge’s inventory of local authors is constantly updated, demonstrating the wealth of literary talent in South Africa.
The Book Lounge, which opened in December 2007 in the Eastern Precinct of the Cape Town City Centre, has since become well-known for the variety of book-related events it hosts. On other days, it’s ideal for a relaxing cup of coffee in the lounge area and browsing through its varied book selection.
Bring your children to browse its enchanting children’s section, and if you know a 3- to 8-year-old who enjoys a good story, story time at the Book Lounge is every Saturday morning at 11am.
- Location: 71 Roeland Street, Corner of Buitenkant & Roeland Street, Cape Town
- Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9am to 6pm | Saturday 9am to 4pm | Sunday: 10am to 4pm
- Contact: 021 462 2425 | booklounge.co.za/contact-us/
- Website: booklounge.co.za
2. Clarke’s Bookshop
Clarke’s Bookshop is a small, independent bookstore in Cape Town, South Africa. It was founded on a love of books and a desire to make them more accessible to Cape Town residents.
Clarke’s Bookshop has evolved into a cultural hub and meeting place for writers, scholars and artists over the years. The store’s inventory includes books on South African history, politics and culture, as well as works by African and international authors.
- Location: 199 Long Street, Cape Town
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm | Saturday: 9:30am to 1pm
- Contact: 021 423 5739 | [email protected]
- Website: clarkesbooks.co.za
3. Book Junction
A Woolworths grocery shop at Palmyra Junction would be incomplete without a visit to the Book Junction.
The red walls, golden chandelier and teaming bookshelves make the Book Junction as characterful as its merchandise.
- Location: Palmyra Junction | 9 Palmyra Road, Claremont, Cape Town
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm | Saturday: 9am to 4pm | Sunday: 9am to 2pm
- Contact: 076 320 0033
4. Fortunate Finds Bookshop
Fortunate Finds is a bookshop that specialises in the acquisition of rare and unique books.
Kathy Sullivan founded the Bookshop in 2002, and it was originally located on Cape Town’s historic Long Street before moving to its current location in Kenilworth.
- Location: 282 Main Road, Kenilworth, Cape Town, South Africa
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm | Saturday: 9am to 1pm
- Contact: 076 168 9830
- Website: fortunatefinds.co.za
5. The Book Shoppe
The Book Shoppe, which is cosy with Persian rugs and leather couches, offers a one-of-a-kind and personalised experience for book lovers, providing a space for readers to explore, discover new titles and perhaps even meet like-minded bookworms in the community.
- Location: 3 Arts Village, 260 Main Road, Plumstead, Cape Town
- Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 9am to 6pm | Friday: 10am to 3pm | Saturday: 9am to 5pm | Sunday: 10am to 3pm
- Contact: 021 713 1528 | [email protected]
6. Kalk Bay Books
Kalk Bay Books, founded in 2006, is an independent bookstore in Cape Town’s seaside village of Kalk Bay. It has a large selection of contemporary fiction and non-fiction for all ages, both local and international.
Kalk Bay Books, a longstanding asset to Kalk Bay’s idyllic streets, hosts book launches, literary events, readings, talks and the occasional seance on a regular basis.
- Location: 124 Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
- Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
- Contact: 021 788 2266 | [email protected]
- Website: kalkbaybookss.wordpress.com
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Picture: The Book Lounge / Facebook
Instagram story: Ioann-Mark Kuznietsov / Unsplash
