The National Library of South Africa, as we know it today, was formed on 1 November 1999 as a result of the amalgamation of the two former National libraries: the South African Library in Cape Town and the State Library in Pretoria.
It was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 25 October 1974. Centre for the Book prides itself as a National Monument Structure which is situated on the Periphery of the beautiful Company’s Gardens in Cape Town. Inside the structure is an elegant and appealing Edwardian Venue which offers unique comfort space for: 'Meetings with Writers; Book Launches; Gala Dinners; Graduation Ceremonies; Conferences; Seminars; Exhibitions; Workshops Recitals; Weddings and Film Shoots.'
The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) is the custodian of South Africa’s collective national heritage materials and the national depository of published output materials in the country. The NLSA is mandated by the National Library of South Africa Act 92 of 1998 to collect and preserve published documents and make them accessible to all; ensuring that knowledge is not lost to posterity.
The collections of the NLSA contain a wealth of information, including rare manuscripts, books published in South Africa, periodicals, government publications, official foreign publications, maps, technical reports, Africana, and newspapers.