Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
kingsmead book fairlatest news & developments
Nostalgia: The fair itself carried that familiar warmth, such as readers walking slowly between stalls. Photos: Supplied

In a world built for scrolling, can book fairs still survive?

A quiet conversation at the Kingsmead Book Fair became a reflection on shrinking attention spans, digital culture and the fragile future of reading

Reflection: At the Kingsmead Book Fair readers, writers, thinkers and
the curious gather around stories. Photo: Supplied

Kingsmead Book Fair returns with conversations SA needs right now

As the 14th annual Kingsmead Book Fair returns to Johannesburg, the beloved literary gathering once again creates space for difficult conversations, thoughtful reflection and the…

One for the books: On her first visit to the Kingsmead Book Fair, held every May in Johannesburg, the writer was surprised by the massive turnout at the event.

Finding story and soul at the Kingsmead Book Fair

A first encounter with Kingsmead Book Fair, where community and unexpected joy come together in celebration of South African literature

Calling all birds of a feather to bookmark together at this year’s Kingsmead Book Fair

Kingsmead College will host the 13th annual Book Fair on Saturday, 24 May 2025 in association with Standard Bank – Wealth and Investment, Exclusive Books and Media Partner Hot…

Cover to cover: The 13th Kingsmead Book Fair (above), to be held on 24 May at Kingsmead College in Melrose, Johannesburg, has something for everyone, says its director Alex Bouche.

A literary event to bookmark

Kingsmead Book Fair is a celebration of stories, voices and community, where readers of all ages come together to appreciate the magic of books

Brave: Ghanaian author Kobby Ben Ben was at the recent Franschhoek Literary Festival. His first novel No One Dies Yet has queer themes but it also contains broader social commentary.

Kobby Ben Ben on breaking the queer ceiling

Novel writes queerness into a space where it’s forbidden and meanders through the unforgiving politics of Ghana, past and present

Autobiography: Caster Semenya will be at the Kingsmead Book Fair. Photo: Francois Nel/Getty Images

Two literary fairs are one for the books

The Franschhoek Literary Festival and Kingsmead Book Fair are good indications that South Africans love reading