Are you looking for a place to quietly enjoy some quiet me-time as well as your scholarly love for books? Perhaps these libraries could interest you.
Contrary to what many people might think, libraries are still very much treasured and sought after in this modern era. While it is nice to indulge in a good book while sipping a cup of cocoa in the privacy of one’s bedroom, there is always a different, somewhat elevated joy when you share your love for books with your fellow bibliophiles in a place that is cosy, serene, and is not half bad, aesthetic-wise, for your next Instagram feed. Are you looking for a library in Jakarta that may check all of those boxes? Well, here, Indonesia Expat breaks down some of the city’s libraries that you can check out.
The recommended libraries are listed below in no particular order.
Jakarta Library and HB Jassin Literary Document Center
After being revitalised in 2022, this library in Jakarta immediately stole attention. Arranged with a very comfortable and aesthetic concept, the Jakarta Library and HB Jassin Literary Document Center look like an Instagrammable cafe. The facilities provided are also modern and complete. There are many spots where you can choose to read books in this library. What is no less interesting is, of course, the book collection — they have more than 38 thousand book titles that can be accessed by library visitors. What’s even more exciting is that there is also a discussion room and podcast room.
- Address: Taman Ismail Marzuki Jl. Cikini Raya No.73 8, RT.8/RW.2, Cikini, Menteng, Central Jakarta
- Instagram: @perpusjkt
National Library of the Republic of Indonesia
Not only does it have a complete collection, but the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia is also known as the highest library in the world, towering 126.3 metres and consisting of 27 floors with three floors in the basement. In addition to reading books, library visitors can also watch movies, hang out in cafes, and see the view of Jakarta from a height. The opening hours of this library are also quite unique. From Monday to Friday, the library opens from 8 AM to 9 PM. Meanwhile, on weekends, it opens from 9 AM to 4 PM.
- Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Sel. No.11, Gambir, Central Jakarta
- Instagram: @perpusnas.go.id
Baca Di Tebet: Library and Meeting Room
If you are around South Jakarta, stopping by Baca Di Tebet could be an option. The collection of books that line the cabinets, almost touching the ceiling, will be a beautiful sight for reading enthusiasts. The wooden chairs and old tables there also add to the comfort of reading at home. This library is suitable for those seeking peace because there is a silent room where visitors are not allowed to speak directly or virtually. To stop by Baca Di Tebet, visitors can register for a daily ticket on the same day as the day of booking.
- Address: Jl. Tebet Barat Dalam Raya No.29, RW.2, Tebet, South Jakarta
- Instagram: @bacaditebet
Erasmus Huis Library and Exhibition Hall
This aesthetic library in Jakarta has around 15 thousand collections of books and magazines. Most of them are Dutch literature and books that record the history of the Indonesian nation. You can also find art and culture books and children’s books in English and Indonesian here. The atmosphere of the library is modern and minimalist, accentuated by the room’s paint, which is dominated by an elegant white-and-brown combination.
- Address: Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said Kav. S3, RT.8/RW.3, Kuningan Timur, Setiabudi, South Jakarta
- Instagram: @erasmushuis_jakarta
Library of Goethe-Institut Jakarta
Are you interested in German culture and want to learn about their culture and language? If you are one of them, you can visit the Library of Goethe-Institut Jakarta, located in the Menteng area. In this library, you can learn about Germany through various fun and interactive activities. The Library of Goethe-Institut Jakarta provides around 5,000 collections of physical books and magazines in German as well as translations into Indonesian and English. The library, which is part of the German cultural centre in Indonesia, is open to the general public and can be visited for free. However, if you want to borrow their collection, you need to register for membership first by including your Jabodetabek ID card or Student Card, as well as paying an annual registration fee.
- Address: Jl. Dr. GSSJ Ratulangi No.9 15, RT.2/RW.3, Gondangdia, Menteng, Central Jakarta
- Instagram: @goetheinstitut_indonesien
Library of the Freedom Institute
Another choice of library in Jakarta that is no less aesthetic and comfortable is the library at the Freedom Institute. This public library was inaugurated by the then-vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Boediono, back in October 2010. In this library, which is popular among university students in the city, visitors can find a variety of book collections, including those on politics, international relations, literature, and philosophy. There are also international magazine clippings and a collection of scientific journals — perfect for academic research.
- Address: Jl. Proklamasi No.41 11, RT.11/RW.2, Pegangsaan, Menteng, Central Jakarta
- Instagram: @freedominstitute.id
Daniel S. Lev Law Library
Established in the year 2006, this library was named the Daniel S. Lev Law Library as a form of respect and appreciation to Prof. Daniel S. Lev for his services in the development of legal science in Indonesia, in general. Prof. Daniel S. Lev provided many ideas and views in the field of law to the institutions that founded and continue to oversee this library—PSHK, Hukumonline.com, LeIP, and STH Indonesia Jentera. The library has more than 12,000 books and papers and subscribes to 100 serials. This library also stores the most comprehensive electronic database of law in Indonesia.
- Address: Puri Imperium Office Plaza UG-16, JL. Kuningan Madya, Kav. 5-6, Setiabudi, South Jakarta
- Instagram: @danlevlibrary
The Library of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia
This particular library is the right place to take your little one because the atmosphere will definitely make them interested and not want to go home. The interior of this free library in Jakarta for children is arranged in such a way that it looks like a playground. A variety of exciting reading collections are available on the shelves as well. Not only that, there is also a collection of toys that can be played with by children. This library is also managed in accordance with the National Library Standards, which have been accredited “A” by the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia.
- Address: Kementerian Pendidikan Kebudayaan Riset dan Teknologi, Gedung A, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Lt. 1, Senayan, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta
- Instagram: @perpustakaandikbud
Rimba Baca
Another child-friendly library that can be visited is Rimba Baca. There are around 3,000 collections of fiction and non-fiction books that can be read in this library. Not only for children, there are also books that are suitable for teenage and adult readers. Interestingly, this place often holds exciting activities such as storytelling, arts and crafts, and creative writing specifically for children. Additionally, the management of Rimba Baca provides a special place for companions or guardians on the second floor, which consists of several special reading sections. There are shelves filled with knowledge books, fiction novels, literature, religion, parenting, non-fiction, and comics as well.
- Address: Jl. Intan RSPP Utara No.21B, RT.11/RW.2, Cilandak Barat, South Jakarta
- Instagram: @rimbabaca
OMAH Library
Located near the border between West Jakarta and Tangerang, OMAH (which stands for ‘On Meeting Architecture Hub’) Library is a private library owned by an architect named Realrich Sjarief. Here, there are around 10,000 book collections, most of which are themed on architecture. In addition, there are other books, such as fiction and self-development. One interesting fact about OMAH Library: this library has such a unique and pristine interior architectural design — not to mention its unassuming location — so much so that it is often used as a filming location for several famous Indonesian music videos and films.
- Address: Taman Villa Meruya Blok F2/15-16, RT.002/RW.010, Karang Mulya, Kembangan, Kota Tangerang
- Instagram: @omahlibrary