
Best Destinations for Book Lovers in Durban, South Africa
1. Mary Siedle-Roelfe Public Library
A spacious library with a wide variety of books, including rare and local works.
- Rare Books Collection: Features a unique collection of rare and historical books
- Community Events: Regular community events like author talks, book clubs, and children's story hours.
- Resource Center: Offers research resources for local history and culture
2. University of KwaZulu-Natal's Westville Campus Library
A vast academic library with a focus on research and study materials.
- Academic Resources: Provides extensive academic resources for students and researchers
- Study Spaces: Offers numerous study spaces, including quiet zones and group study rooms.
- Inter-Library Loan: Provides an inter-library loan service for hard-to-find materials
3. The Exchange Book Cafe
A bookstore and cafe where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while reading your favorite book.
- Book Selection: Boasts an eclectic selection of books, both new and used.
- Cafe Experience: Offers a cozy cafe atmosphere for reading and relaxing.
- Events: Hosts literary events like book launches, readings, and discussions.
4. Shark Coast Tented Camp's Library
A small yet carefully curated library at an eco-tourism lodge for nature lovers.
- Nature Books Collection: Features books on local wildlife, conservation, and natural history.
- Relaxing Environment: Located in a serene tented camp overlooking the ocean.
- Eco-Friendly Initiative: Part of an eco-friendly lodge, promoting sustainable tourism practices
5. UKZN's Howard College Library
A research library focusing on social sciences, humanities, and education.
- Research Resources: Provides extensive resources for social sciences, humanities, and education.
- Study Spaces: Offers various study spaces, including quiet zones and group study rooms.
- Inter-Library Loan: Provides an inter-library loan service for hard-to-find materials
6. The Workshop Coffee Co. Durban North
A coffee shop with a small yet well-curated selection of books for customers.
- Book Selection: Boasts an eclectic selection of books, both new and used.
- Cafe Experience: Offers a cozy cafe atmosphere for reading and relaxing.
- Community Engagement: Supports local authors and hosts book-related events
7. Durban's City Library
A centrally located library offering a wide variety of books, magazines, and newspapers.
- Central Location: Located in the heart of Durban, easily accessible by public transport.
- Resource Center: Offers resources for local history and culture, as well as current events.
- Community Engagement: Regularly hosts community events like author talks and children's story hours.
8. The Winston Collins Centre for Creative Writing
A creative writing center offering workshops, readings, and a small library of writing resources.
- Writing Resources: Features books on the craft of writing, literature, and local authors.
- Workshops and Events: Offers workshops and events for aspiring writers to learn and network.
- Supporting Local Talent: Supports local authors and the literary community in Durban
9. KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts Library
A library specializing in visual arts, crafts, and design with a focus on local artists.
- Visual Art Resources: Features books on various visual arts, crafts, and design.
- Local Art Focus: Emphasizes resources on KwaZulu-Natal artists and local art movements.
- Art Workshops and Classes: Offers workshops and classes for those interested in visual arts
10. The Little Library at Morningside
A free little library for the community to share books and knowledge.
- Community Engagement: Promotes literacy and community engagement by providing a space for book sharing.
- Accessibility: Located in a residential area, making it easily accessible to the local community.
- Book Selection: Boasts a diverse selection of books for readers of all ages and interests.
11. The Durban Botanic Gardens Library
A library specializing in botany, horticulture, and conservation at a beautiful garden.
- Botanical Resources: Features books on various aspects of botany, horticulture, and conservation.
- Relaxing Environment: Located within a beautiful botanic garden, offering a peaceful setting for reading.
- Conservation Focus: Emphasizes resources on local flora and conservation efforts in KwaZulu-Natal
12. The Pig & Whistle Bookshop
A bookstore with a focus on literature, poetry, and local authors.
- Book Selection: Boasts a well-curated selection of books, focusing on literature, poetry, and local authors.
- Cafe Experience: Offers a cozy cafe atmosphere for reading and relaxing.
- Supporting Local Talent: Supports local authors and the literary community in Durban
13. The BAT Center's Library
A library specializing in African theater and performance at the center for performing arts.
- Theater Resources: Features books on African theater, performance, and related topics.
- Performance Venue: Located at a performing arts center, providing access to live performances.
- Supporting Local Talent: Supports local theater artists and the performing arts community in Durban
14. The Phoenix Bookshop
A long-standing bookstore offering a wide variety of books, including local titles.
- Book Selection: Boasts a diverse selection of books, including local titles and bestsellers.
- History: Established in 1964, making it one of the oldest bookstores in Durban.
- Community Engagement: Supports local authors and hosts book-related events
15. The Docklands' Book Café
A cozy book café offering books for sale alongside a variety of beverages and snacks.
- Book Selection: Boasts an eclectic selection of books, both new and used.
- Cafe Experience: Offers a cozy café atmosphere for reading and relaxing.
- Community Engagement: Hosts literary events, book clubs, and author talks