Johannesburg City Library, Public library in central Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg City Library is a public library in the center of Johannesburg, South Africa, organized into eight specialized collections covering subjects such as African Studies, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts. The building has a dedicated section for children alongside reading areas, study stations, and computer access for a range of visitors.

The library opened in June 1890 with books ordered from London, run by a committee before Robert C. Hemming became its first librarian in February 1891. A corrugated iron structure, the Old Church Building, housed it from 1893, and in 1898 a three-floor building on Kerk Street followed, with shops below and rented rooms above. The present Italianate building, won in an architectural competition by Cape Town architect John Perry, opened on 6 August 1935.

The library holds collections of local documents, photographs, and objects that trace Johannesburg's growth and development over time. Visitors can explore these materials to understand how the city evolved and shaped its surroundings.

It is worth checking in advance which of the specialized collections match your interests, as the offerings vary considerably across sections. If you plan to use digital resources, look into the library's online services before your visit.

The library gives access to eBooks, audiobooks, and multimedia content through the OverDrive platform, which means registered users can borrow digital titles from anywhere. This makes part of the collection available well beyond the building's opening hours.