In Dakar, the opening of a bookstore-café is making waves! And for good reason: the capital has only about fifteen bookstores for over 1.2 million inhabitants—compared to nearly 700 bookstores in Paris, which has just over 2 million residents.
Does this mean Senegalese people don’t read much? Not so fast, replies Souleymane Gueye, founder of Plumes du Monde, who explains: “The problem isn’t a lack of interest in reading, it’s the lack of suitable spaces.”
The Genesis of a Passion Project
The idea for a bookstore-café first took root in Souleymane Gueye’s mind in 2014. A passionate reader and culture enthusiast, Gueye became a publisher after studying engineering and starting his career in construction. His project was born from a simple observation: due to the high cost of new books in bookstores, many readers turn to second-hand books, often found in markets under conditions far from ideal—books in poor condition, displayed on the ground, sold without any guidance or recommendations.
Having discovered in France the joy of strolling through bookstore aisles, browsing in peace, and receiving personalized advice, Souleymane Gueye dreamed of sharing this experience with his fellow Senegalese. He envisioned a vibrant, welcoming space—a cultural crossroads that blends accessibility, guidance, and conviviality.
Plumes du Monde bookstore opened in 2017 in the Liberté 3 neighborhood, initially without the café. Working on the project in his free time and with his own funds, Gueye took a pragmatic approach, moving forward step by step while remaining open to partnerships. On April 26, 2025, the dream fully came to life: Plumes du Monde officially became a bookstore-café. The public came out in force, and the enthusiasm was palpable.
A Bookstore with a Mission
From the beginning, Plumes du Monde has been committed to making literature accessible to as many people as possible. Its collection was built with this in mind. The team actively seeks out affordable editions from certain publishing houses. To provide a low-cost alternative, the bookstore also offers a wide selection of second-hand books. But here, second-hand means quality and service: the books are in good condition, carefully selected, and above all, accompanied by a professional welcome and thoughtful advice.
It’s a solution that respects both readers and their budgets, as well as the environment—a core concern for Plumes du Monde. This commitment is reflected in every aspect of the space, from furniture crafted by local artisans to the drinks and treats on offer, which are natural, organic, and sourced locally whenever possible.
A Cultural Hub
Plumes du Monde is much more than a place to buy books. It’s a lively space designed to nourish minds and foster dialogue. Books from around the world line the shelves, inviting readers on a journey. The humanities take center stage, encouraging reflection and debate. The bookstore actively collaborates with high-quality independent publishers such as la fabrique, Ròt-Bò-Krik, Elyzad, and Les Prouesses—a publishing house dedicated to reissuing forgotten female voices, which fits perfectly with Plumes du Monde’s strong collection focused on women’s literature.
The café enhances the welcoming atmosphere of the space. It was designed to host workshops, debates, exhibitions, book clubs, and literary events. Already scheduled for the coming weeks are author meet-and-greets, activities centered around Wolof, literary games, and slam poetry!
Young people are at the heart of the project. Plumes du Monde sees them as the future of culture. Students will find a welcoming place to read, study, and exchange ideas. As for younger children, beyond the wide selection of books and activities dedicated to them, an outdoor play area is currently being planned.
In short, a true place of life, dialogue, reflection, and creation has just opened its doors. A warm, inclusive, and committed space, open to all. By creating this bookstore-café, Souleymane Gueye and his team have given Dakar something rare: a place where the joy of reading, dialogue, and the transmission of knowledge can flourish.
