The little bookstore behind a padstal

A reading nook, fire truck and book bus (all cosy and Instagrammable)

Last updated: Friday, 10 June 2022

Liberty Books is tucked away behind the popular Peregrine Farmstall and offers 3 unique bookstore experiences, from a cosy reading nook to a fire truck.

Liberty Books is the central station for the Liberty Books Brigade. Image: Liberty Books

SNUGGLE UP IN THIS NOOK

The main bookstore is set in a little house next to Peregrine. It first opened in 2015, and has since stolen the hearts of all who come to visit. It is warm, colourful and decorated with arch windows, tiger-print wallpaper and, of course, books. It curates bespoke libraries that will leave you browsing for hours. 

If you’re lucky, you will spot Cleo the Cat, who roams around the store (her favourite spot is the reading nook). Image: Tasneem Kadwa (@thegirlwhoatetheworld)

One of the best parts of the bookstore is its cosy (and super Instagrammable) reading nook. It is centrally located and you can spot it from the entrance. So once you’ve found your perfect novel, you can start reading right there in the store (it even has a built in light for reading). 

Liberty Books also hosts book discussions or author events. Image: Tasneem Kadwa (@thegirlwhoatetheworld)
 

POP INTO THE BURNING BRIGADE

The second location of Liberty Books is set just outside the bookstore. The Burning Brigade is housed in a 1955 Bedford Green Goddess Fire Truck. You can browse through the books stacked on the outside shelves and relax on the Happy Saks or explore the library inside the truck. 

Burning Brigade is only open on weekends or daily during holidays. Image: Liberty Books

FIND THE BOOK BUS

The third and final location is the Book Bus, which is set in a 1970s Provincial Library Bus. It functions as a mini-bookstore (inside the bus) at the Elgin Railway Market, bringing the book magic to the heart of Elgin. 

The Book Bus is open during the market hours on weekends. Image: Liberty Books

WHEN + WHERE TO GO  

Liberty Books is open: Monday to Sundays, 8am - 5.30pm
Burning Brigade is open: Daily (during holidays) + Friday to Sundays, 8.30am - 4.30pm
Book Bus is open: Saturdays and Sundays, 9am - 5pm
Find it: Peregrine Farm Stall | N2 & R321 Elgin | Grabouw
Contact it on: 072 350 3592, Instagram: @libertybooksza

-

By Lara van Zyl

---

DISCOVER MORE AFFORDABLE ADVENTURES

We sat down with Deon Meyer about the new series Devil’s Peak. 

Visit this jack-of-all trades family market.

Explore vintage goods and veteran motors at Toeka Stoor.

Treat the kids to a mini adventure (that won’t cost much).

Check out these special book stores around the city.

Discover +7 things to do this weekend.

---

Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.