The Bookery

The Bookery The Bookery provides and supports school libraries in under-resourced communities in South Africa. School libraries are so important in any school.

They’re a quiet, safe place where children strengthen their literacy and numeracy – where books grow knowledge and creativity and help kids explore the way they see the world. Despite this, South Africa has a severe school library shortage. Over 90% of public schools don’t have access to functional libraries. Started as a project of Equal Education in 2010, The Bookery is helping to change this by working with schools and partners to set up and support sustainable, functional libraries in South African public schools. Please donate new children's books in good condition. We need more mother tongue, non-fiction and picture books.

10/10/2026

A month ago, we had the joy of bringing learners together for our annual quiz, celebrating 10 of our top-performing school libraries! 💛
A huge thank-you to HCI Foundation and Penguin Random House Publishing Group for partnering with us to make the day so special. We’re also grateful to Bargain Books SA and Pan Macmillan for the prizes and for keeping everyone refreshed, McDonald’s WC for lunch, and Party Express for the delicious chocolate medals.
Special thanks to our wonderful judges, Phadiela Cooper from HCI Foundation and , and to our incredible MC, Nokuthula Mbenyane. And thank you to@rimichuvitu at for capturing all the special moments! 📸
It was a lovely morning of fun, learning, and community. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen! ✨

A month ago, we had the joy of bringing learners together for our annual quiz, celebrating 10 of our top-performing scho...
10/10/2026

A month ago, we had the joy of bringing learners together for our annual quiz, celebrating 10 of our top-performing school libraries! 💛

A huge thank-you to HCI Foundation and Penguin Random House Publishing Group for partnering with us to make the day so special. We’re also grateful to Books SA and for the prizes and for keeping everyone refreshed, McDonald’s WC for lunch, and Party Express for the delicious chocolate medals.

Special thanks to our wonderful judges, Phadiela Cooper from HCI Foundation and @ akeleni, and to our incredible MC, Nokuthula Mbenyane. And thank you to at for capturing all the special moments! 📸

It was a lovely morning of fun, learning, and community. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen! ✨

This Mental Health Awareness Month, We have partnered with Penguin Random House SA to share stories that can help childr...
09/10/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Month, We have partnered with Penguin Random House SA to share stories that can help children explore feelings and emotional wellbeing. ✨

Each week, we’ll feature a children’s book that can open up conversations about emotions, build empathy and help young readers feel seen. 📖

We’ll also celebrate the role libraries play; safe & welcoming spaces where children can discover stories, ask questions and talk about what’s on their minds.

Did you have a book growing up that helped you understand your feelings—or do you have a favourite you’d recommend to a young reader? Tell us in the comments. ✍️

You can find these amazing books as well as many others on the Penguin Random House SA website!

Follow along for our first book recommendation next week. 👏

This School Library Month, we’re celebrating all the possibilities found in a school library.More than a room full of bo...
02/10/2026

This School Library Month, we’re celebrating all the possibilities found in a school library.

More than a room full of books, it’s a welcoming space where learners can discover stories, see their own languages and experiences reflected, and feel confident exploring new ideas.

At The Bookery, we work with schools to build vibrant libraries with books learners love and library assistants who help bring them to life. Access to stories can nurture a love of reading, strengthen literacy and open doors to opportunities.

Every child deserves the joy and power of reading.

26/09/2026

As we celebrated the launch of the new library at Botha’s Halte Primary School in Worcester, some familiar faces sent their well wishes to Elana, the school’s wonderful Library Assistant!

A library is more than just a room filled with books—it’s a safe space where curiosity grows, imaginations take flight and every child can discover the joy of reading.

We know Elana will play an important role in helping learners explore new worlds, discover new ideas and build a lifelong love of reading in this special space.

Here’s to brighter futures and the joy of reading, one story at a time!

A MASSIVE thank you to Kleine Kloof Early Learning Centre for an incredibly generous book donation! During Book Week the...
25/09/2026

A MASSIVE thank you to Kleine Kloof Early Learning Centre for an incredibly generous book donation! During Book Week their team ran a book drive with their learners to collect as many books as possible for us to use to our libraries all across South Africa!

This Heritage Day, we celebrate the stories that make South Africa who we are.Our heritage lives in the languages we spe...
24/09/2026

This Heritage Day, we celebrate the stories that make South Africa who we are.

Our heritage lives in the languages we speak, the histories we remember, the traditions we share and the stories passed from one generation to the next.

Libraries are homes for those stories. Libraries help keep those stories alive.

When children have access to books that reflect their cultures, communities and experiences, they are better able to see themselves as part of South Africa’s story—and to imagine their place in its future. Reading builds more than literacy. It builds confidence, curiosity, empathy and the power to participate in society.

At The Bookery, we believe every child deserves the joy and power of reading. By creating vibrant school libraries in under-resourced communities, we help place knowledge, imagination and opportunity within reach of children and youth across our country.

This Heritage Day, let’s celebrate our diversity by making space for every child’s story.

Our heritage is read, shared and carried forward.

What could the other 92% look like?If only 8% of South Africa’s public schools have functional libraries, the opportunit...
17/09/2026

What could the other 92% look like?

If only 8% of South Africa’s public schools have functional libraries, the opportunity to create change is enormous.

More books within reach.

More children choosing what they want to read.

More opportunities to build language and comprehension.

More spaces where reading is valued, shared and celebrated.

More children discovering that books are for them.

At The Bookery, we believe change starts with making libraries work. We train and support Library Assistants, help schools establish functioning library systems, and work alongside schools to build reading cultures that extend beyond the library walls.

The statistic is daunting.

The opportunity is enormous.

This Literacy Month, we’re choosing possibility. 📚

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Zonnebloem College Estate, 2 Cambridge St
Cape Town
7925

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

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