Best Destinations for Book Lovers in Durban, South Africa

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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