Readmatter: Bridging the Literary Gap with a Rolling Library

Where to find us next: Gouch Street Park, Hurleyvale. Sunday 24 September 10:00am-11:30am

(This article has been republished with the kind permission of the author and CXMedia)

In the digital age, where the allure of e-books and online shopping dominates the world of literature, there's a refreshing and innovative initiative that's been capturing the hearts of book enthusiasts across Johannesburg.

Readmatter.co.za, an online bookstore, has not only earned an impressive unblemished 5-star rating from customers nationwide but has also taken a bold step by hitting the road with their recently-built bookmobile. This unique venture is breathing new life into the literary scene, one neighbourhood at a time.

Operating exclusively online since 2020, Readmatter has established itself as a go-to destination for book lovers of all genres. They've amassed a loyal following, earning rave reviews for their extensive collection, user-friendly website, and top-notch customer service. However, their commitment to promoting a culture of reading extends beyond the virtual realm.

On the first and last Sundays of the month, Readmatter packs up their treasures and embarks on a literary roadshow that brings the magic of books to the streets of Johannesburg. The star of this show is none other than their bookmobile, a charming and well-stocked traveling library that's become a source of delight and inspiration for locals.

This past Sunday, the Readmatter bookmobile made its stop in Modderfontein, where it was greeted with excitement and enthusiasm by the community. Families and avid readers gathered around, eager to explore the mobile treasure trove of books. The bookmobile is not just about selling books; it's about fostering a love for reading, connecting with the community, and encouraging people of all ages to explore the world through literature.

We spoke to some of the customers who visited the Readmatter bookmobile in Modderfontein, and their enthusiasm was palpable:

Janice, a mother of two, said, "I've always believed in the power of books to inspire and educate. Having the Readmatter bookmobile come to our neighbourhood is a fantastic opportunity for my kids to discover new stories and expand their horizons. It's like a mini-library on wheels!"

Desiree, who left with a box full of late edition novels, for which she paid R440,  raved, "I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and price of books available in the bookmobile. I bought 8 books for R440 and they are in superb condition. Each one of these costs over R300 new.”  The average price per book in that order equated to R55, a small price to pay considering many a magazine costs more. “I have enough reading material to last me atleast two months” she said.

Sarah, a young adult fiction enthusiast, added, "I have previously bought online from Readmatter, and I love convenience of online shopping, but there's something special about browsing physical books. The bookmobile provides a tactile and immersive experience that's hard to replicate online. Plus, the staff here are so knowledgeable and passionate about books."

In a world that's increasingly digital, Readmatter is proving that the love for physical books and the joy of discovering new stories in person are experiences that continue to resonate with people. Their bookmobile is a beacon of hope for literature enthusiasts, young and old, reminding us that the world of books is always just around the corner.

So, if you're in Johannesburg and spot the Readmatter bookmobile rolling into your neighborhood, don't miss the opportunity to step inside, browse through the shelves, and rediscover the magic of reading. It's a journey worth taking, and who knows what wonderful worlds you might discover within the pages of a book on the shelves of the Readmatter bookmobile?

And if you can't wait for the bookmobile's visit, you can explore their full range of books at www.readmatter.co.za, where literary treasures await at your fingertips.