I keep reading articles about gentrification in downtown Johannesburg. These articles — usually written by foreign journalists, or Capetonians — proclaim the city of Joburg remains blighted, crime-ridden, and poverty-stricken with the exception of a few pockets of upscale hipsterdom, like Maboneng and Braamfontein.
I dispute this proclamation. As proof, I present the Johannesburg City Library.
A typical Tuesday morning at the Johannesburg City Library.
The Johannesburg City Library is a huge, beautiful building on Albertina Sisulu Road (formerly Market Street), overlooking Beyers Naude Square (formerly Library Gardens) in the center of the Joburg CBD. Originally opened in 1935, the library closed for three years between 2009 and 2012 as it underwent a major renovation and expansion.
The library’s imposing front steps.
I poked my head into the library once or twice after the renovation was completed. But I never got around to exploring it properly until last week, when I went with Marie-Lais Emond to take photos for the Citizen “Other Side of the City” column.
I couldn’t believe: 1) how nice this library is; 2) how many amazing things are contained inside of the library; 3) how many people use this library; and 4) that people still go to libraries at all.
I confess that I can’t remember the last time I went to a library. I’ve been missing out.
Inside the Johannesburg City Library
The Johannesburg City Library is filled with books — about 1.5 million of them — as well as studious youth and a smattering of adults reading newspapers. There are major collections of Africana, music, and children’s books. Well curated works of art line the library’s walls. There is a full-sized theatre and a studio space for local artists. The basement has hundreds of miles of shelves, containing thousands (millions?) of newspapers dating back to the 19th century.
Old books.
Miles of newspapers.
Studious youth.
Card catalogues used to freak me out in college. Today, they’re charming.
The Johannesburg City Library also has beautiful architecture and design that appears to be perfectly restored and maintained.
The library’s restored staircase and bannister.
A beautiful pillar and ceiling.
Stained glass above the library’s main entrance.
The Johannesburg City Library is neither gentrified nor blighted. It’s a real, historic, vibrant, well-used space. (There’s wifi, too, although I was too busy taking photos to test it properly.)
The library is open from 9:00 to 5:00 on weekdays and 9:00 to 1:00 on Saturdays. Get there early if you want to find a seat.
Thanks for this- great photographs
My pleasure Rosemary!
One of the prettiest libraries I’ve seen. And so bright!
I love libraries. They keep me from being poor.
Yes, it does have beautiful natural light.
It’s just a pity about the escalators in the entrance hall, they’re just not in keeping with the rest of the beautiful library.
I actually hadn’t thought of that but you’re totally right.
Your photos are emotionally beautiful.
I can;t believe I have lived with Jozi for 10 years and never met her ‘bookish’ friend
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Oh I love your post People can be so short sighted and then miss the charm totally
Spent many hours in that library during my student days, it used to also house the Museum which I’m led to believe a lot is still in storage and some is now housed at Museum Africa.
I remember my mom taking me and my sister there eons ago, I’m really glad to see that it is still open.
This is one of the most amazing sites! Alive with energy and positivity!
P.S I am booking a trip to the wilds as in … tomorrow morning! :>
Thanks for the great work
Yay, I hope you loved it!