GALA Mission Statement
The advancement, development and rights of LGBTI people depend on an accurate record and representation of their struggles. GALA mobilises memory by documenting and popularizing the lives and histories of LGBTI South Africans. In so doing it contributes to the development of pride, challenges homophobia and entrenches the rights of LGBTI people.
GALA Office and Archive Hours
Monday to Friday
9 am - 5 pm
Community Library Hours
Tuesday 1 – 4
Saturday 2 – 4:30
Contact Us
+27 11 717 4239
Fax: +27 11 717 1783
info@gala.co.za
GALA is a member of the Joint Working Group (JWG), a national network of LGTBI focused organisations in South Africa.
PHOTO GALLERIES
Click on the images below or go to Photo Galleries to view photographs of GALA events and images from our archival collections.
The Gay and Lesbian Library has solved its long-standing accommodation problems with a move to a permanent home in University Corner, Wits University, Braamfontein. The premises house both the Library and the Gay and Lesbian Archives' research and administrative offices, and are ideal for its needs.
We have a wonderful selection of fiction and nonfiction books, as well as a fairly large collection of videos that can be borrowed. We have subscriptions to several queer publications which can be viewed in the library. Come by and see what might strike your fancy!
Or check out our online book catalogue to see if we have what you're looking for.
How to join | Lending policies | Directions | Donate
Open hours
Tuesday afternoons from 1pm-4pm
Saturday afternoons from 2pm-4:30pm
Membership to the library is open to anyone. On joining the library, you will have to pay an annual membership fee of R25.00 (that's about R2.15 per month!). Once you are a member, you may use the library resources as much or as little as you like.
Because the library is self-funding and not-for-profit, we ask that members make a donation each time they borrow a book or a video. The minimum donation is R2.00 per book and R5.00 per video. These donations go towards buying new books and videos for the library, which benefits our members directly. Once checked out, books can be kept for one month. Videos can be kept for one week.
The Library is located at 706 University Corner, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein. Motorists can use the Station Street entrance to the University (also on Jorissen Street) and park outside the Wits Theatre . Look for The Nunnery and take the alleyway between University Corner and The Nunnery until you come to the unmarked back entrance to University Corner. Enter the foyer and take the lift to the Seventh Floor. Follow the GALA signs to room 706.
Call Carol on 083 734 6163 for more info, or directions if you get lost.
Above: Detailed map of East Campus showing University Corner, the Wits Theatre and The Nunnery. E stands for entrance.
The library has been generously supported by its members with money and resources. If you have books or videos with queer themes that are taking up space in your house, we could greatly appreciate a donation. And of course any monetary donations above and beyond those for borrowing books or videos helps us, and all of our other patrons, including you!
Questions about the library
The library is run by Carol Cooper and Tony Sparks. You can contact either of them if you have any queries about the library.
