Best Bookstores & Libraries in Dakar, Senegal
1. Le Centre Culturel Français de Dakar
A hub for French culture, boasting a well-stocked library with a variety of books in multiple languages.
- Multilingual Collection: Offers books in several languages, including English and French.
- Cultural Events: Hosts regular cultural events and workshops related to literature.
- Digital Resources: Access to digital resources, including e-books and audiobooks.
2. Librairie Universelle
An expansive bookstore with a focus on African literature, history, and culture.
- African Focus: Specializes in books about Africa and by African authors.
- Language Selection: Offers books in multiple languages, including English, French, and Wolof.
- Community Engagement: Regularly hosts author readings and discussions.
3. Les Mots de la Table ronde
A quaint bookstore offering a diverse selection of books, including rare and out-of-print titles.
- Rare Titles: Stocks hard-to-find and out-of-print books.
- Intimate Setting: A cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for browsing and reading.
- Café & Events: On-site café and regular events like poetry readings and book clubs.
4. La Maison du Livre Africain
A leading African publisher with a focus on contemporary African literature.
- Contemporary African Lit: Specializes in contemporary African literature.
- On-Site Workshops: Offers writing workshops and literary events for the community.
- Original African Publisher: Publishes original works by African authors.
5. La Grande Librairie de Dakar
A large bookstore with a wide selection of books in various genres and languages.
- Wide Selection: Boasts an extensive collection of books.
- French & English Books: Specializes in French and English literature, but also offers books in other languages.
- Kids' Corner: A dedicated section for children's books.
6. La Librairie de la Banque Universelle en Afrique Occidentale (BUAO)
An elegant library within the Boua-Karé building, featuring a selection of books and periodicals.
- Historic Location: Located in the historic Boua-Karé building.
- French & African Books: Offers a mix of French and African literature.
- Periodicals & Newspapers: Includes periodicals and newspapers for current events.
7. La Librairie du Quai des Orfèvres
A bookstore offering a variety of books, including bestsellers and academic texts.
- Academic Selection: Stocks academic texts, making it popular among students.
- Convenient Location: Situated near the city's main university and business district.
- Bestsellers & General Fiction: Features bestselling fiction as well as general fiction titles.
8. La Librairie du Chef de Corvée
A bookstore specializing in academic texts and professional literature.
- Academic Focus: Primarily focuses on academic texts.
- Professional Literature: Also offers professional literature in various fields.
- Café & Events: Includes a café and regularly hosts literary events.
9. La Librairie Les Enfants de la Médina
A bookstore offering books for children in various languages, including Wolof.
- Wolof Books: Stocks a variety of books written in Wolof.
- Children's Section: Has a dedicated section for children's books.
- Art Supplies: Also sells art supplies, making it a great destination for creative kids.
10. La Librairie Le Grand Magasin
A general bookstore offering books in multiple genres and languages.
- General Selection: Offers a wide range of books in various genres.
- Language Diversity: Boasts an impressive collection of books in multiple languages.
- Periodicals & Magazines: Includes periodicals and magazines for current events and entertainment.
11. La Librairie du Soleil Levant
A bookstore offering a mix of French and English books, including bestsellers.
- Bestsellers & General Fiction: Features bestselling fiction as well as general fiction titles.
- French & English Books: Offers a mix of French and English literature.
- Convenient Location: Located in the heart of Dakar's business district.
12. La Librairie de la Place du Souk
A bookstore offering a variety of books in multiple languages, focusing on African literature.
- African Focus: Specializes in African literature.
- Language Diversity: Boasts an impressive collection of books in multiple languages.
- Community Engagement: Regularly hosts author readings and discussions.
13. La Librairie du Quartier Populaire de Medina
A bookstore offering books in various genres and languages, with a focus on African literature.
- African Focus: Specializes in African literature.
- Language Selection: Offers books in multiple languages, including English and French.
- Community Engagement: Regularly hosts author readings and discussions.
14. La Librairie de la Gare
A bookstore located within the train station offering a variety of books in multiple languages.
- Convenient Location: Located within the train station, making it easily accessible for travelers.
- Language Diversity: Boasts an impressive collection of books in multiple languages.
- General Selection: Offers a wide range of books in various genres.
15. La Bibliothèque Nationale du Sénégal
The national library offering a vast collection of books, periodicals, and resources on Senegal and Africa.
- Historic & National Library: Serves as the country's main library, preserving national heritage.
- African Focus: Specializes in books about Africa and by African authors.
- Digital Resources: Access to digital resources, including e-books and archives.