The Johannesburg Public Library

This blog was never meant to be a photography blog. It’s MY lifestyle blog and I’ve always wanted to document things I see, but I have to say that this is one of my best sets of photographs that I’ve shot in South Africa.

And the reason is because it’s of a beautiful, no, GORGEOUS building. Everyone, come see the newly opened Johannesburg Public Library.

This library is located in Downtown Johannesburg and is also known as the Johannesburg City Library. It’s a majestic building that has sat in this location since 1924. A historical photograph in the exhibition hall showed that it looks almost exactly the same all these years later.

The library was closed down 4 years ago and went through intensive refurbishment and restoration. A new section was also added. R68million was spent on this project.

When I heard that it was finally opened again two weeks ago (on Valentines Day!), I desperately wanted to see this place.

And in true tai tai fashion, I roped in my friend, Martina-in-Jozi to be my driver to take me there. I did have to bribe her with petrol and high tea and lots of side perks to convince her that I was a worthy Miss Daisy. *wink* Oh yeah, that’s my nickname now – Miss Daisy. I’m now being named after that old lady in the movie, Driving Miss Daisy. The one who had to be driven everywhere. LOL!

So we played good kids together for a day and went to the library. Sounds good eh? Except that this is one part of the city that almost every other South African would tell us not to go to by ourselves. Especially not with our cameras. We are a couple of rather crazy chicks.

The results were so worth it. This is an amazing building. It’s a hint to the glorious days South Africa had during the apartheid period. This restoration and re-opening of the building is the future of South Africa. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to see it.

There is a general books section, research section, space for lectures, exhibitions and talks, and a computer section. I hear they are putting in free WiFi too. Yeh!

This is a must see in Johannesburg and a must-visit if you have children. Locals can become library members for free. There are a couple of schemes for foreigners for a small fee. It’s located at the corner of Sauer and Market Streets in Downtown Johannesburg and there is street parking.

Click on to the thumbnails below to see a selection of the shots I took. I am really proud of this deck of pictures. All pictures are my property for personal use only, and are not meant for or to be taken for commercial use. Please note copyright information here.