BOOK DEVELOPMENT

Many South African books that would now be considered classics seem to have disappeared. Some were banned and never reprinted after the end of Apartheid, and others simply fell out the public consciousness but are taking on new resonance now. 

LOST SOUTH AFRICAN CLASSICS

 
We have been working to publish new editions of such classics so that these stories can re-enter circulation.  We have reprinted a duology of H.I.E. Dhlomo’s ‘The Girl Who Killed to Save’ and ‘Valley of a Thousand Hills’. Dhlomo is a founding figure of South African literature whose work has become hard to come across – something that we are working to change. 

STREET LIBRARIES

Bringing reading resources closer to communities. We manage two street libraries – in Alexandra and in Soweto. We keep these libraries updated on a monthly basis to ensure people have access to the ever-growing selection of books. We plan to have these pop-up libraries in more areas around Joburg.

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PLACE MAKING

The LitDistrict is a part of the Johannesburg Inner City Walkable Network, which links neighbourhoods throughout the CBD to create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for locals and visitors. Community development and literary outreach programmes are at the heart of this vision.

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

In the LitDistrict, we are working to create a neighbourhood identity based on literature and community. Local kids stop by on their way home from school to do their homework and read together and young professionals hunker down together over coffee at Bridge Books. All in all, we want our home to feel more like a home – art on the walls, places to come together, books in hands.
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LIBRARY GARDENS

We have adopted the Beyers Naudé Square,  center of the Lit District and encludes The Library Gardens which stretch out from the city library, and is a popular gathering point for the community. Our park activators and green team are deligently turning this historic park into a literary hub by cleaning, greening, play and hopefully installing literary resources.

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OUTREACH

The Literary District runs on community support. We send thousands of books, new and used, to libraries across South Africa every year. We also work with community-led literacy programmes.  We are dedicated to revitalizing oral heritage and promoting literacy through engaging initiatives like weekly Storytime Saturday at Bridge Books and Ernest Oppenheimer Park

STORY TIME

We bring South African stories to life in diverse languages, inspiring local children and showcasing relatable representation in literature. Collaborating with the Alliance Française, we host monthly storytelling events connecting South African cultures with French expats and local children through vibrant narratives and djembe drum circles, strengthening community bonds and fostering a love for reading and cultural exchange in the heart of Joburg.

Jozi Booksellers

We have fostered a relationship with over 70 booksellers connecting them with publishers so that they can continue to providing thousands of people with new books. These Jozi Booksellers are an integral part of the Lit District ecosystem.

PUBLISHING WORKSHOPS

In the spirit of growing SA Literature.  We host publishing workshops to help break down some of the barriers between writers’ ideas and books going to print.

Mapping The District

As part of our effort to connect people, businesses, organisations and community resources that share common values we realised that small things often have big impact. For instance, strategic signage acts as a key navigational tool, clearly defining the Lit District and fostering a strong sense of place and belonging. Get the map here