Library

Diverse. Open to all.

Our library in Johannesburg is a place for everyone who wants to read, listen to music, watch films, be inspired and meet people. We look forward to seeing you!


Goethe-Institut Johannesburg Library and Gamebox © Goethe-Institut Johannesburg

Search for books or other items in the catalogue

Digital library

The Onleihe is Goethe-Institut’s digital library (eLibrary). More than 23,000 German language eBooks, audio books, movies, materials for German language learners, magazines and newspapers are available for downloading from the Onleihe. 

Cover - Onleihe: The Digital Library Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut

Borrow Books and Media

Onleihe

Reading made easy

When "easy readers" are too easy: For learners of German at the B2 and C1 levels, we recommend e-books in the Onleihe, our free digital library.

Male figure reading on the beach Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut

Projects and Events

  • Book of the Month

    Every month, the Goethe-Institut South Africa publishes a review about an African/South African author. Written by South Africans for South Africans.

    An open book in front of a book shelf. The book of the Month logo is right above that open book. © Goethe Institut Johannesburg © Goethe Institut Johannesburg

  • Silent Book Club

    Silent Book club is about meeting other like-minded readers, chatting about what other people are reading and then reading together in companionable silence.

    Silent Book Club © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

  • Afro Freedom Bookclub

    The AFRO-Freedom Book Club is a public book club that focuses on African writers to inspire dialogue and civic engagement in the community. We strongly believe in the voice of Africans and the importance of telling our own stories. Everyone is invited to join our circle!

    As The Crow Flies by Veronique Tadjo © Veronique Tadjo © Veronique Tadjo

A multi-part, hybrid format geared to promote sustainable, local library initiatives.

Green Libraries : Renewing the Future

We invite Libraries and Librarians in South Africa who want to explore what 'sustainability' means to them.  We are looking for projects that explore how they can develop strategies and tools to promote sustainability in their work and organization, and in their contact with and impact on their communities, to apply to take part in this project.

Greeen Libraries Project @ Goethe-Institut Johannesburg Library © Thabang Taukobong © Thabang Taukobong

Facilities & What We Offer

  • Podcast @ Goethe

    The Library-Gamebox-Hub is offering podcasting equipment to be used on-site as well as the recording space. Our equipment includes microphones, headphones, mixers, plus a soundproofed recording space to ensure quality recordings and more!

    Goethe-Institut Johannesburg Podcasting equipmment rental    

  • Gamebox

    The GameBox is a digital and physical creative space for creation, collaboration and importantly, play. It is open for use to all individuals interested in games, virtual reality and game development. 

    Goethe-Institut Johannesburg Gamebox © Thabang Taukobong © Thabang Taukobong

  • Translation funding

    Our translation funding programme supports the publication of books by German authors in another language.

    Goethe-Institut translation funding    

Visit Us

Opening Hours

Monday - Thursday 14:00 - 18:00

Address

119 Jan Smuts Avenue Parkwood
Johannesburg
2193
South Africa
Goethe-institut Johannesburg © Hannah Paton

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