Host an event at Bridge
Bridge Books is a literary bookstore and cultural space in the heart of Johannesburg. Our Barbican space seats up to 50 people and is available for book launches, readings, workshops and other events.
Venue Hire
Base venue hire
Seating for 40, standing capacity 50. Includes setup, cleanup, and two Bridge Books staff members to assist throughout. Hire time includes the full period from your arrival to your departure — please include setup and teardown time when booking.
Overtime
Events that run beyond the booked end time are charged at the overtime rate, billed in 30-minute increments.
Sundays, public holidays & after hours
Events on Sundays, public holidays, and after hours may incur additional charges. Please confirm at time of booking.
What's included in venue hire
Optional Add-ons
Audio — cordless microphones
Wireless handheld microphone with in-store speakers.
Visual — projector and screen
Full projection setup. All images and slides must be supplied to us at least 72 hours before your event.
Invitation design
Our designer will create a digital invitation (one round of revisions included). You may also supply your own marketing materials.
Event photography
In-house photography by a Bridge Books staff member. Includes up to 30 edited images delivered within 5 business days. Please note this is in-house photography, not a professional photographer service.
Event video
Videography and a short edited highlight reel (up to 3 minutes). Scope, deliverables, and turnaround time confirmed at time of booking. Please request a quote for longer edits or multi-camera coverage.
Catering & Bar
Catering
Provided by our in-house catering partner. Priced according to menu selection. Catering orders must be finalised at least 72 hours before your event. All catering must go through our in-house supplier.
Bar — hosted (per bottle)
House wine per bottle, served by staff. Specify your selection when confirming your catering order.
Bar — cash bar (per glass)
Guests purchase drinks individually at the event.
Corkage
You may bring your own wine or spirits. Corkage applies per bottle brought to the event.
Still water
500ml bottled water.
Books at Your Event
Sales at the event
All book sales at Bridge Books events are handled exclusively by Bridge Books staff through our POS system. Outside sales by the author or publisher are not permitted. We will stock and sell your title(s) on the night — this is one of the great advantages of hosting your launch with us. A purchase order from Bridge Books is required before books can be sold at the event. All sales follow Bridge Books' standard terms and conditions.
T&Cs apply
Excess stock
Unsold books can either be taken back by you on the night, or stocked with us under our normal distribution terms.
Policies & Conditions
Payment & Cancellation
- Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your date.
- A refundable damage deposit of R1 000 is required and will be returned within 5 business days, subject to no damage.
- Cancellation 14+ days before: full refund less a R200 admin fee.
- Cancellation 7–13 days before: 50% refund.
- Cancellation under 7 days: no refund.
- All rates are inclusive of VAT.
Venue Rules
- Bridge Books signage may not be moved, altered, or covered.
- Seating arrangements are standardised and cannot be changed.
- Street parking is available in the surrounding area. We do not have a private parking facility.
- Music and amplified sound must remain at a considerate level for the building and neighbours.
- External DJs or sound equipment may be accommodated — please confirm at time of booking.
Photography & Privacy
- You may photograph and film your event for personal use.
- Attendees must be informed if the event is being professionally photographed or filmed.
- Bridge Books may photograph events for our own communications unless you request otherwise.
What Your Staff Members Will Do
- Set up and prepare the space before your guests arrive.
- Be present throughout to assist with the projector, bar, or book sales.
- Handle book sales through our POS on the night.
- Tidy and close the space after the event.
- Not responsible for MC, hosting, or event management duties.
Ready to book?
Send your enquiry to info@bridgebooks.co.za or speak to Ayanda directly. Please include your preferred date, expected guest numbers, and a brief description of the event. We aim to respond within 3 business days.
A signed Event Agreement is required before any booking is confirmed.
The Barbican
89 Helen Joseph Street
Corner Rissik Street
Johannesburg
bridgebooks.co.za