About Centre for the Book
The Centre for the Book, as its name suggests, promotes a culture of reading, writing and publishing in local languages. It's the National Library's outreach arm and aims to increase access to books for all.
Did you know? The Centre for the Book is an outreach unit of the National Library of South Africa. Its mission is to promote a culture of reading, writing and publishing in local languages and easy access to books for all.
The Centre for the Book lies not far from the Planetarium in Cape Town, one of 5 top free sights in the city bowl. The other 4 free sights are: The Company's Garden, Greenmarket Square, Pier Place Statues and St George's Cathedral choir.
Why visit the Centre for the Book? It's a national monument, for one. And domed ceremonial halls don't come more lovely than this. The Edwardian building is stately and photo worthy, and its ceremonial hall holds a selection of locally published books.
The Centre for the Book was opened as the University of Good Hope's headquarters, and whilst the university no longer exists, this annexe of the National Library is too beautiful to pass over. The gorgeous domed atrium of the central reading room is the venue for concerts and is often hired for weddings – the podium lends itself to ceremonies, whilst the hall is perfect for receptions.
It is a building that deserves recognition for its beauty, which is why it finds itself in the pages of Paul Duncan's Hidden Cape Town – a book about the architectural treasures of Cape Town - over 240 pages of gorgeous photographs of famous, and not-so-famous, buildings.
Other buildings included in Hidden Cape Town include: the art deco Old Mutual Building in Darling Street, City Hall, Somerset Hospital, the Irma Stern Museum, various churches, mosques and synagogues and the Mount Nelson Hotel; in total 30 buildings (it may be worth laying your hands on a copy).
Join the library. And look out for writing workshops.
Need to Know
WhereCentre for the Book, 62 Queen Victoria Road, Cape Town Central, City Bowl, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenMonday to Friday from 08h00 to 16h30.
OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
Attractions near Cape Town Central
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town

503 Hillside Heights
503 Hillside Heights is a spacious furnished and well equipped two bedroom apartment with Harbour and Mountain views. The Apartment offers two be...

The Mountain House
Situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Cape Town. Nestled against the slopes of Trappieskop Mountain, bordering the Table Mountain Nation...

City Bowl Designer
City Bowl Designer offers modern De Waterkant accommodation in a prime locations. This apartment is situated in Sovereign Quay in De Waterkant, C...

The Quadrant Penthouse A406
The Quadrant Penthouse is a holiday apartment in Claremont offering self catering accommodation in Cape Town close to major shopping centres and ...

Morton Manor
Morton Manor offers offers accommodation in a fully-equipped apartment. (Morton Manor can only accommodate a maximum of 2 adults). The apartment ...

Villa del Mar Guest Suite
Situated on the owners property in Bantry Bay, Villa del Mar Suite is a luxurious guest suite offering self catering accommodation for a single p...

MOY Guesthouse & Backpackers
Situate in Green Point on the Atlantic Seaboard, MOY Guesthouse & Backpackers offers comfortable accommodation. MOY is the perfect base to explor...

123 Ocean View Drive
123 Ocean View Drive is a newly renovated luxury self catering studio apartment, situated in wind free Green Point with magnificent views of the ...

Cammys Guest House
Cammys Guest House in Kuils River has five rooms sleeping a total of ten guests. Each room has a kitchenette with basic heat and eat facilities l...
Things to do in the area

Helicopter Flights With Extreme Scene
Take a tour via Helicopter over Cape Town and the Peninsula. Get a birds eye view of the Cape on this fun and popular Helicopter Tour. Various tr...

Ski-Hi Ride
Did you know that the odd adrenaline rush has some amazing health benefits? It helps you to breathe easier, it's a great pain-blocker, it boosts ...

Attend a Parliamentary Session
The city of Cape Town, despite not being the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa's Parliament (Cape Town is the legislative capital)...

Bathe at Long Street Baths
In the centre of Long Street, Cape Town, facing the Long Street Bath's heritage doors, look to the right for a view of Table Mountain, look to th...

Be Cool at Daddy Cools
The Grand Daddy's hotel bar is the ‘blingest' in Cape Town. It's not just a cool bar, it's a Daddy Cool bar! A palette of metallics and a roll-ca...

Carriage Tour of Cape Town
Cape Town Carriage Company offers the experience of exploring The Cape Town Business District and the Company's Garden in style and allows a more...

Diamond Cutting Tours
The Diamond Works is a one-stop, exciting experience for tourists, both young and old. Situated on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Life Cent...

Dine at Addis
Addis in Cape provides you with an inviting ambience and a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city of Cape Town. With its talente...

Eastern Food Bazaar
If you thought you could no longer afford to eat out when you stay in Cape Town, consider the Eastern Food Bazaar in what used to be the Wellingt...
Accommodation convenient to Centre for the Book
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation