Dibuka is a Francophone multimedia library which aims to promote the French language and French-speaking cultures. It is the French Institute of South Africa’s library which is the fruit of a partnership with the Alliance Française of Johannesburg and the French Embassy in South Africa.
> What does Dibuka offer?
- The library offers, for consultation and loan, more than 20,000 different types of media including: novels, non-fiction books, a digital platform, CDs, magazines, comics and children’s literature – all promoting francophone cultures.
- Dibuka also offers different activities for their readers; such as storytelling and creative workshops for children, and film screenings and literary events for adults.
- Work and study space, access to the internet, and computers.
> Library support times
Our librarian, Namatai Takaindisa, is available to assist current and prospective members as follows:
Monday: 09:30 – 12:30 | 14:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 09:30 – 12:30 | 14:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 09:30 – 12:30 | 14:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 09:30 – 12:30 | 14:00 – 17:00
Friday: 09:30 – 13:00 in Braamfontein and in Morningside at Lycée Jules Verne 07:30 – 14:00
A selection of books from Dibuka will be available at the Lycée Jules Verne in Morningside, every Friday (excluding school holidays). Members will be able to reserve and collect books on-site.
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and local public holidays.
> How to become a member?
Standard membership fee – R300 / year (12 months)
Special membership fees – R150 / year (12 months) for:
– Under 18 years / over 60 years.
– Pupils and students in schools and universities.
– Alliance Française students.
– Personnel of the Alliance Française, French Embassy, French Consulate and IFAS.
Free for:
– Students studying French in universities.
– Teachers and lecturers of French in schools and universities.
Registration confirmed upon presentation of an Identity Document, Student Card or a justification for free membership. Membership fees are not refundable.
Download the membership registration form here.
Simply complete the registration form, make payment online, and email the form to dibuka@frenchinstitute.org.za to receive your membership card.
> How to borrow from Dibuka?
Library membership is necessary to borrow documents.
Register as a member -> visit our online catalogue -> select your books -> collect them either at Dibuka in Braamfontein or ask for a delivery on Fridays at Lycée Jules Verne. Bring them back to the place of your choice. Library members may borrow 10 documents for a period of three weeks.
Members may extend the duration of your loan twice (6 weeks maximum). Any lost or damaged documents must be reimbursed or replaced.
Added extras
> Culturethèque
Culturethèque is the online library offered by the Institut Français and the Alliance Française network of South Africa. It offers thousands of online resources: e-books, magazines, cartoon strips, travel guides, children’s books and also language learning books. Online browsing on computers, laptops and tablets and smartphones is possible after you have registered on the platform. Library membership gives you free access to Culturethèque. The platform is available on www.culturetheque.com.
> Dibuka contact details
The library is located at the French Institute of South Africa, 62 Juta Street, in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Email: dibuka@frenchinstitute.org.za.
Please note: The right of admission to the library is reserved, and membership can be cancelled by management if necessary.
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