The Artist's Way – Enhanced
Editor's Pick

The Artist's Way – Julia Cameron

A timeless guide to unlocking your creativity. Julia Cameron's beloved classic has helped millions of readers rediscover their artistic voice through weekly exercises, morning pages, and quiet reflection. A must-read for every creative soul.

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My Identity Journal – Fresh Generation
Local Business Spotlight

Crown Create Studios

We're pleased to stock My Identity Journal, a heartfelt devotional for teenage girls created by Crown Create Studio. Through Scripture, journaling and quiet reflection, it encourages girls to discover their worth and identity.

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Shopping for Secondhand Books Online
Featured Blog

Where to Buy Secondhand Books Online in South Africa

There is something rather special about buying a secondhand book. South Africa has a growing selection of online secondhand bookshops where you can find pre-loved titles, Afrikaans books, out-of-print gems and unexpected discoveries — all from home. Here's where to look.

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New Arrivals

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Where Great Books Gather

Welcome to On The Shelf, a South African online bookstore specialising in carefully selected secondhand books. Explore quality pre-loved fiction and non-fiction across a wide range of genres, including a strong selection of Afrikaans titles. Whether you’re searching for an immersive novel, practical knowledge, or a meaningful gift, our shelves are designed for readers who appreciate quality and discovery.

Inspired by a love of books and the quiet joy they bring, our store is built for those who value stories, learning, and moments of calm. Take your time, explore the collection, and find your next great read waiting for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What condition are the books in?

All our secondhand books are carefully inspected and graded before listing. We use a standard grading system:

New : Brand new, unread, no marks, no wear.

Like New : Looks new; may have been gently handled but no visible flaws.

Very Good : Light signs of use; clean pages, no major defects.

Good : Clearly used; may show creasing, edge wear, or small markings.

Fair : Heavily used; all pages intact but with noticeable wear or markings.

Reading Copy : Worn but readable; may have loose binding, stains, or notes.

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Nuut: Splinternuut, ongelees, geen merke, geen slytasie.

So Goed Soos Nuut: Lyk nuut; moontlik liggies hanteer, maar geen sigbare gebreke.

Baie Goed: Ligte tekens van gebruik; skoon bladsye, geen groot defekte.

Goed: Duidelik gebruik; kan voumerke, rand-slytasie of klein merke hê.

Redelik: Swaar gebruik; alle bladsye is heel, maar met sigbare slytasie of merke.

Leeseksemplaar: Gedra maar leesbaar; kan ’n los band, vlekke of aantekeninge hê.

What's the cost of delivery?

PUDO: Locker to Locker (Please indicate the delivery locker in the notes or delivery address): R80.00

PUDO: Locker to Kiosk (A Courier Guy Outlet) (Please indicate your delivery Kiosk in Your order notes or delivery address): R90.00

PUDO: Locker to your Door (Not an option for farms, plots, rural areas, townships, or Public Buildings eg: Hospitals): R110.00

Express Delivery: R150

Free delivery on orders over R600 within South Africa (Express delivery is excluded) - see Shipping Policy for full details

Do you accept returns?

We want you to be happy with your purchase!

If a book arrives in worse condition than described or is damaged during shipping, we'll offer a full refund or replacement.

Returns must be initiated within 14 days of delivery. Please contact us with photos of the issue, and we'll make it right.

See our Refund Policy

What secure payment options do you offer?

Our website is SSL secured and we only partner with South Africa's leading payment partners.

Once you reach the checkout page you'll have a selection of secure payment options to suit your needs.

How can I contact you?

We're here to help! You can reach us via email at tracy@tracyodendaal.com, through our contact form on the website, or call/whatsapp us at+27 82 373 5687 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).

We typically respond to emails within 24 hours.

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