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.
5 Camp Street provides self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Ideally situated in the central, trendy and historic suburb of Gardens, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Within easy walking distance of Kloof Street... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Liberty Lodge provides guests with bed and breakfast accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Over the years, this classic Cape Town bed & breakfast has earned an enviable reputation for relaxed and genuine hospitality. Originally a V …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Green Point Self Catering Studio provides visitors with self catering accommodation in Green Point, Cape Town City Bowl. We offer 2 self catering studios. Green Point Self Catering Studio 1 (sleeps max two) is a tastefully renovated self-catering studio.. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Beach Villa apartment provides self catering accommodation in Mouille Point, Cape Town City Bowl. Beach Villa, is a spacious two bedroomed self catering apartment with stunning sea and mountain views and within walking distance to the Mouille Point beach …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Barry Hall is located in the leafy suburb of Fresnaye on the Atlantic Seaboard. The 4 large apartments and garden cottage are offer free Wi-Fi as well as friendly daily service, weekdays leaves you free to enjoy Cape Town and all its beauty. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Grande Kloof is a privately owned and operated accommodation establishment offering both Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering options in a great holiday location within the upmarket residential area of Fresnaye, on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A beautifully appointed garden self-catering 2 bedroom apartment on Clifton Steps. Ideally situated - just a short taxi ride from Camps Bay to one side and to the other side, all that the Mother City has to offer. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
This striking luxury villa offers unobstructed views of both the mountain & Camps Bay. It is close to the beach, restaurants, clubs, bars, Cape Town, V&A Waterfront, Golf courses & wine routes. The pool, Jacuzzi & gamesroom are big hits with guests! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
3 on Camps Bay is a luxury 16 bedroom Guesthouse in the up-market and trendy Camps Bay, Cape Town. Located in a cul-de-sac overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, 3 On Camps Bay offers a quiet retreat where you can vacation in the utmost luxury and pamper. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
There are 4 tastefully decorated rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each is fitted with all the amenities necessary to making sure their guests' needs are attended to. The Knight's are an impressive double act at breakfast, which is indulgent with... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.