Libraries in Jakarta You Have To Visit – While libraries are not among Jakarta’s list of favourite spots to hang out, there are some libraries around the place. Contrary to popular beliefs, Jakarta has some of the most modern and comfortable libraries in the world. So, don’t expect cramped spaces, dusty books, and eerie libraries around here!
But where are those libraries anyway? Well, here are some of the libraries you can visit in Jakarta!
Perpustakaan Jakarta (Jakarta Library)
First up is the newly revitalized Jakarta Library located at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Cikini, Central Jakarta. This library is located on the fourth to the sixth floor of Gedung Panjang and offers a variety of books and reading materials. There are around 138,000 collections in the library additionally, there are plenty of reading spots available for you who want a private reading room or an outdoor one!
Address: Jl. Cikini Raya No. 73, Komplek Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta Pusat
Website: perpustakaan.jakarta.co.id
Perpustakaan Nasional RI (The National Library of Indonesia)
Whatever books you are looking for, The National Library of Indonesia surely has them. This 27-floored building has each floor dedicated to different genres of books that you could think of! Though for non-members, you won’t be able to borrow or take home any of the books. But rest assured, member registration is free and available in the building too. Other than books, they also provide tons of spaces for you to study, research or discuss with your friends along with free wifi, power plugs, and comfortable sofas.
Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Sel. No.11, Gambir, Kec. Senen, Central Jakarta
Website: perpusnas.go.id
OMAH Library
For those who are specifically looking for a broad range of books regarding architecture and design, you should totally go to OMAH Library. The On Meeting Architecture Hub (OMAH) founder, Realrich Sjarief, aims to help architects’ accessibility to architectural books in Indonesia. You’ll be able to find approximately 1,500 reference books, monographs, and case studies here. Other than that, you’ll be able to find a variety of English and Bahasa fictional and children’s books too. You won’t be able to bring home any of the books and you have to contact the library prior to your visit.
Address: Kompleks Taman Villa Meruya, Taman Amarilis II Blok F2 No. 15, Tangerang
Email: omahlibrary.reservation@gmail.com
Goethe-Institut Jakarta
As Goethe-Institut is an organization that introduces German culture and offers cultural cooperation, you can expect a bunch of German media for free! You can find a wide range of books, music, games and even films from Germany here. However, you have to be a member in order to borrow or take home any books from here. Be sure to bring your Jabodetabek ID as the membership is exclusively for Jabodetabek residents. Other than the books, this library offers a friendly atmosphere for those who want to discuss and know more about German, whether it’s their language, culture, or others!
Address: JL. Dr. GSSJ Ratulangi No. 9, Gondangia, Menteng, Central Jakarta
Website: www.goethe.de/ins/id/en/index.html
Freedom Institute Jakarta
Freedom Institute is known for its wide and modern interior with the addition of its unique books regarding various topics and genres. Located in South Jakarta, they also have some books published by Freedom Institute themselves too! Other than their unique genre of books, they also offer reading facilities such as comfortable couches, free wifi, and meeting rooms too. One thing to note is that you can’t borrow or take a picture of any books from here so make sure to bring your notebook ready! And you need to be a member to enter this library but not to worry, all you need to do is just fill out a form and show your ID to register as a member.
Address: Wisma Bakrie, Jl. H. R. Rasuna Said No. Kav, B-1, Kuningan, Menteng, South Jakarta
Website: www.freedom-institute.org
Jakarta offers not only large libraries that home thousands of books and reference materials but also places for you to learn and hang out at the same time. Additionally, going to the library will save you a lot of money as you can borrow the books or take some notes from the books available as a reference. Be sure to go to these libraries when you’re in need of references or just a new book to read during your downtime! For more Indonesia guides, make sure to check us out here!
