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National Library of South Africa - Cape Town Campus

Contemporary view of the entrance to the library in Cape Town.  © Diego Delso, License

National Library of South Africa - Cape Town Campus

The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) - Cape Town Campus is one of the oldest libraries in the country and serves as a custodian of South Africa’s literary and documentary heritage. Its origins date back to 1818 when it was founded as the South African Public Library. The initial collection was a generous donation from Lord Charles Somerset, then the governor of the Cape Colony, who contributed 4,879 volumes, forming the basis of the library's extensive collection. Over time, the library evolved, eventually merging with the State Library in Pretoria to form the National Library of South Africa in 1999.

The Cape Town Campus, located in the historic Company’s Gardens, houses a vast array of materials, including books, manuscripts, maps, and other significant South African publications. The library plays a key role in preserving and providing access to South Africa’s documentary heritage. Its collection is invaluable to researchers, historians, and academics, particularly those studying African history, literature, and culture. The library also offers various public services, including reading rooms, research support, and exhibitions that highlight important moments in South Africa’s literary history.

In addition to its rich historical collection, the National Library of South Africa actively engages in modern preservation techniques, digitizing important texts to ensure that they remain accessible to future generations. The library’s Cape Town Campus also collaborates with other institutions to promote literacy, knowledge-sharing, and cultural development throughout the country.

Contact Details for the National Library of South Africa - Cape Town Campus:
Address: 5 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0) 21 424 6320
Email: see website
Website: https://www.nlsa.ac.za

The library is open to the public, offering resources for both academic research and casual reading. Visitors can also explore special exhibits and events hosted at the library throughout the year.


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