Building a community with books

Our bookstore in Marshalltown offers an unparalleled collection of African literature. It's also the hub for the Johannesburg Literary District, our non-profit that's literally cleaning the neighbourhood and celebrating everything bookish about Joburg.

Every book you buy or event you attend goes to support that mission.

Kids' Books

Looking for the perfect read? Whether you're reading with your child, or... 

Kids' Books

South African fiction

South African fiction is, to borrow Denis Hirson's expression, worlds in one... 

South African fiction

Underground Booksellers Walking Tour

Underground Booksellers Walking Tour

Underground Booksellers Walking Tour

R 500.00 ZAR
R 500.00 ZAR

How we made the Herbert Dhlomo duology

Publishing at Bridge Books

Our titles focus on new children's books in local languages, and on new editions of classic South African texts that were once banned or forgotten.

  • How to get published

    Got a story you want to get into the world? We offer a quick overview of how the process works, whether you want to find a traditional publisher or go your own way

    Intro to publishing workshops 

  • Producing your book

    Got a story already written? We can type, design and guide your book through the printing process. Book a time with one of our team to find out more.

    Book a free consultation 

  • Writing, editing, and translating

    Our team also works with all kinds of organizations to tell their stories effectively -- whether that's profiling a success story or making your corporate documents presentable.

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Johannesburg Literary District

  • Library Gardens

    We're working with City Parks to fill Library Gardens with indigenous plants.

    Volunteer 

  • Neighbourhood map

    The city is confusing when you don't know where you're going. Our wall and pocket maps demystify Joburg.

    Advertise or get a copy 

  • Street Libraries

    Our Street Libraries in Soweto and Alexandra provide free books at community centres.

    Donate 

  • Cleaning

    Working with the Social Employment Fund, we have more than 50 people cleaning our neighbourhood's streets every day.

    See how to help 

What to read

  • Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations

    Implementing State Capture Commission Recommend...

    Last week, we were at the conference on Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations. The event itself was thought provoking. Unfortunately some of the books were late in arriving. To make...

    Implementing State Capture Commission Recommend...

    Last week, we were at the conference on Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations. The event itself was thought provoking. Unfortunately some of the books were late in arriving. To make...

  • Second-hand treasures: A Ride on the Whirlwind

    Second-hand treasures: A Ride on the Whirlwind

    Last week I found among the second-hand shelves, I found an original edition of Sipho Sepamla's A Ride on the Whirlwind, a 1981 novel about a freedom fighter in exile sent to...

    Second-hand treasures: A Ride on the Whirlwind

    Last week I found among the second-hand shelves, I found an original edition of Sipho Sepamla's A Ride on the Whirlwind, a 1981 novel about a freedom fighter in exile sent to...