Johannesburg City Library officially reopens to the public
The library holds the continent's largest book collection.
702’s Gugs Mhlungu speaks with Griffin Shae, the owner of Bridge Books.
Listen below:
The second phase of the reopening of the library officially took place on Saturday (9 August).
This is after the library was closed five years ago during the Covid-19 lockdown.
RELATED: Johannesburg City Public Library to partially reopen in February
Housing more than 1.5 million books and serving over 250,000 members, this landmark building is one of Africa’s largest and most cherished public knowledge treasures.
It has been restored thanks to the tireless efforts of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation and Joburg Crisis Alliance.
“To have it be fully reopened and available to students, researchers, and just leisure readers, it’s a really big day.”
– Griffin Shae, owner – Bridge Books
“It’s been a very big blackhole for all these years that it’s been closed… I’s a really huge step towards improving downtown Joburg.”
– Griffin Shae, owner – Bridge Books
The energy is buzzing! Guests are arriving and filling the space with excitement for the reopening of the Johannesburg City Library. This is a celebration of our city’s rich heritage #JoburgCityLibrary #JoburgServices #TheJoburgWeAllWant^TM pic.twitter.com/LZ7Bn4UxeH
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) August 9, 2025
The Johannesburg City Library is located on Albertina Sisulu Road and Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street in Johannesburg CBD.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion