Smartcitizen, do you love reading and plan to buy books soon? In celebration of National Book Day on May 17, 2024, here are some bookstores in Jakarta you might want to visit. Read on for more details.

Pasar Buku Kwitang

One of the main destinations for buying books in Jakarta is Pasar Buku Kwitang. Located on Jl. Kwitang Raya, Central Jakarta, this market offers a wide range of books from various genres and conditions, from new to used. There are even rare editions that are hard to find in other bookstores. The main advantage of buying books at Pasar Buku Kwitang is the affordable prices compared to large bookstores, as well as a comprehensive collection. The market is open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

POST Bookshop

Literature lovers, this one is for you! At POST Bookshop, you can buy books of various genres, from literature and poetry to children's books. Located in Pasar Santa, Jakarta, this bookstore combines yellow and white colors with a unique design concept, making it Instagram-worthy and more attractive to visit. POST Bookshop also hosts various activities you can join, such as workshops and book discussions. Want to visit? You can come on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Lorong Buku Batavia

The bookstores here are a paradise for those looking to buy old and rare books! As the name suggests, Lorong Buku Batavia is an alley in the Pasar Gembrong Baru, Jatinegara area, lined with bookstores on both sides. These bookstores offer tens of thousands of classic books. The vintage and historical yet well-maintained atmosphere creates a unique shopping experience. Additionally, the bookstore owners are part of the literacy movement Komunitas Lorong Buku Batavia, aiming to build a literacy culture through classic books in the digital age. Various activities are often held in the alley to promote literacy and reading interest, such as discussions, seminars, and workshops. Lorong Buku Batavia is open every day from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Sarang Buku Bekas

You don't always have to buy new books. Sometimes, buying used books is much more worthwhile. Therefore, Sarang Buku Bekas should be on your list of bookstores to visit. Located at Plaza Festival Ground Floor, Kavling C22, Kuningan, this bookstore offers a collection of well-maintained and readable used books. From classic novels to children's books, you can find them here. Despite being located in a plaza, Sarang Buku Bekas maintains a calm and organized atmosphere, making it the perfect place to spend time searching for the right book to take home! Want to visit Sarang Buku Bekas? You can come every day from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

B(L)OOKS Bookshop

Defining itself as "a melting pot of books, ideas, culture, and you," B(L)OOKS is more than just a bookstore but also a space to stimulate ideas and learn about culture and literature, especially for young people. Established on July 1, 2023, when many large bookstores were closing, the founders of B(L)OOKS remained confident in setting up this independent bookstore as not just a business interest but also an effort to promote reading among young people. This is evident from their modern and diverse book collection, including fiction, poetry, essays, photography, and graphic novels. As a creative hub for young people, B(L)OOKS also hosts regular discussions or idea exchange events with the literary community. Located in Blok S, Senopati with a minimalist design, B(L)OOKS seems to be designed as a new gathering place for young people in Jakarta. You can visit B(L)OOKS from Thursday to Sunday, 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

From markets to literacy hubs, those are some bookstores you can visit. If you prefer borrowing books instead of buying them, you can easily borrow books in Jakarta. One option is through the Kawan Perpus portal via the Jakarta Library feature on the JAKI app. Want to try? Follow these steps:

• Open the JAKI app. If you don't have it yet, download it from Google Play Storeor Apple App Store;
• Type "library" in the search bar;
• Click on the Jakarta Library feature. You will be connected to the Kawan Perpus portal;
• Log in to your Kawan Perpus account by entering your username/NIK and password. Click Sign In;
• Once logged in, you can immediately explore Kawan Perpus and borrow the books you want.

So, have you decided which bookstore to visit? Whether you choose to buy or borrow, it's all good as long as it helps you increase your interest in reading. Reading allows you to learn new things, relieve stress, and improve memory quality. Happy reading!