The availability of books in Namibia has increased. More second hand book stalls are cropping up at markets, but CNA and Book Den are still the leading book stores locally, stocking a diverse selection of books.
Elmarie Kotze from Book Den said they cater for all readers depending on the availability of books.
She added that if they do not have a certain book in stock, they just need the title and author of the book and will order the book for the client.
If the book is available in South Africa, an order will take about two weeks and about double that time if it is ordered directly from the United Kingdom.
As with many other South African chain shops, CNA does not sell books by Namibian authors.
“We do not sell Namibian books because this is a South African shop,” said assistant manager at CNA Wernhil Park, Elrich Jansen.
Uncle Spike’s Book Exchange is a landmark for any local book lover and is still one of the most popular book exchange spots in Windhoek, selling a wide range of books, from historical tomes to mystery, romance, Afrikaans books and even comics.
According to owner, George Yakes, the books sell very well and the exchange is also going very well.
“The author selling the most books at the moment is Louis La-Amour, who writes western cowboy themed books,” Yakes said.
He added that he accepts and sells any books, including Namibian authors as long as the books are in good condition.
One can also get new and second-hand books from Orombonde Books.
“I do not as a rule do book exchanges, but if it is something I want, I will take the book,” Wolfram Hartmann from Orombonde Books said, adding they too sell Namibian authors at their discretion.
People also have the opportunity to buy or sell second hand books at the monthly Tuuthikeni Market, which was formerly held at Zenzo, but has now moved to the Windhoek Theatre School.
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