Stellenbosch is home to multiple bookstores and libraries and has a bustling book culture, with residents that uphold local bookstores and foster a culture of reading within the community.
This is according to Sarah Emery, manager of Stellenbosch Books, a local bookstore located on Andringa Street.
MatieMedia explored the various options available for book lovers across Stellenbosch.
Something old
The Stellenbosch Hospice consists of three separate stores – a boutique, a bargain store and a bookstore. The hospice is a sustainability project that supports Stellenbosch’s palliative care nursing program. This is according to Lana Dippenaar, manager of the hospice. PHOTOS: Tamia Retief
The Stellenbosch Hospice is a non-profit company (NPC) located on Borcherd Street and consists of three separate stores – a boutique, a bargain store and a bookstore. This is according to Lana Dippenaar, manager of the hospice.
Having celebrated its 30th birthday this past July, the bookshop is a local favourite, said Reneè Leiths, store assistant at the bookstore.
The hospice forms part of a sustainability project that supports Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital’s palliative care nursing program, said Dippenaar.
“We donate surplus books and older stock to schools in the communities we serve and to non-profit organisations that promote reading on farms, such as the Anna Foundation,” she stated. “We also help the Bergzicht Training and Development programme with files for the students [in the programme] to use for their notes.”
Something borrowed
The Stellenbosch Public Library offers the community access to books and a free workspace with Wifi, computers and printing, according to Sarala Majudith, the manager of the public libraries section of Stellenbosch Municipality. The library is based in the academic and business hub of town, and therefore enjoys high readership and book circulation statistics, said Majudith. PHOTOS: Tamia Retief
Stellenbosch Public Library is located in Plein Street and is a haven for locals and students alike.
This is according to Sarala Majudith, manager of the public libraries section of Stellenbosch Municipality.
Despite decreased visits during the pandemic, the library has seen an increase in visitors post-pandemic, said Majudith via written correspondence with MatieMedia.
Majudith told MatieMedia that readers at the library are particularly interested in magazines and newspapers.
“Libraries are playing their role in contributing towards other literacy promotion entities and organisations out there in making sure that the reading culture improves,” said Majudith.
Any community member can access the library free of charge but a library card is necessary to borrow any books – upon application, a library card can be issued by a librarian, said Majudith.
Something (relatively) new
“[Stellenbosch Books] is an extension of your home and we want you to feel comfortable. Our modus operandi is that we are open and welcoming and we want you to linger. We’re not gonna chase you out, we’re not looking for the sale. I’d rather miss out on a sale today to make sure you get the right thing tomorrow,” said Sarah Emery, manager of Stellenbosch Books. PHOTOS: Tamia Retief
Stellenbosch Books was established by Ramon Corie, who also owns Manoushe, a restaurant next to Stellenbosch Books. Corie opened Stellenbosch Books in 2020 with the aim of expanding his existing business, while also preserving the pre-existing culture of the space, said Emery.
“This has been a bookstore since 1959, so people come here expecting to see a bookstore,” said Emery.
The store has a wide offering of material – from the latest literary releases to the newest magazines. The store also hosts a café, where customers can enjoy a new book while having a cup of coffee. Customers can also attend book releases, which the store regularly hosts, said Emery.
Something extra
Other local spots that sell books, include:
- Bargain Books – Eikestad Mall, Andringa Street, Stellenbosch Central
- Van Schaik Bookstore – Neelsie Student Centre, Stellenbosch Central
- Protea Boekwinkel – Bergzicht Plaza, Andringa Street, Stellenbosch Central
- Wordsworth Books – Stellenbosch Square, Stellenbosch
- My bookshop, Stellenbosch – Strand Road, Die Boord
- PNA – Stellenbosch Square and Eikestad Mall, Stellenbosch
- Dorp Street Market – Every Sunday, Dorp Street, Stellenbosch Central.