Durban North book exchange to close its doors after four decades
After 40 years, Books at Kensington will close its doors, marking the end of a cherished community hub for local readers.
THE owner of Books at Kensington in Durban North has announced they are closing their doors after 40 years.
The shop, formerly known as Durban North Book Exchange, was started in 1985 and is now run by Jen Yates.
It is understood the lease for the space at the Kensington Square shopping centre is not being renewed.
The store’s last day for trading is Wednesday, December 31, and Yates has encouraged residents and patrons who have store credit to use it before the shop officially closes its doors.
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“This is one of the last remaining book exchanges in Durban that I’m aware of. The shop is divided between Thompson’s Hairdressers and ourselves. It started out as a sports shop before a lady by the name of Lou started it as a bookshop in 1985. Since then it has been run by a legacy of women, including my mother Dawn Yates.
“We love the relationship we’ve had with our patrons and residents in the area as we’ve formed a community here. We are encouraging those with credit left on their cards to come through and spend it before we close our doors. We also have a longstanding relationship with Highway Hospice where we donate books to them, so if anyone would like to donate books they are welcome to,” she said.
Jane Upton, who works at the shop, said she will miss the connections she’s made over the years.
“This space was one for conversations and connections. It has been an amazing space and we are sad to see it go,” she said.
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