Lagos is the centre of Nigerian publishing and of a literary scene that reaches the world. Finding books here takes a little more effort than elsewhere, and is worth it.
Bookshops
Independent bookshops on the Island and the mainland stock Nigerian and African writing alongside international titles, and often host readings. University bookshops and the big malls have their own. Second-hand books are sold from stalls in the markets and around the universities, in Yaba especially.
Online bookshops deliver across Lagos, and many Nigerian authors sell directly.
Libraries
- The Lagos State Library Board runs public libraries across the state.
- University libraries, at UNILAG and LASU among others, allow some outside readers; ask.
- Cultural institutes of foreign embassies run libraries and reading rooms, often with membership schemes.
- Community and children’s libraries are run by charities in many neighbourhoods.
Book clubs and festivals
Book clubs meet across the city, and Lagos hosts literary festivals with readings, talks and workshops. Follow bookshops and publishers to hear about them.
Nigerian writers to start with
Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka — Nigeria’s Nobel laureate — Buchi Emecheta, Ben Okri, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Teju Cole, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Chigozie Obioma and Chibundu Onuzo are among the names that matter, and many newer writers are being published from Lagos now. For the city itself, read novels set in Lagos and you will see it differently.