Jakarta’s Public Library: A Cool, Modern Take on Educational Travel

Hey there, book lovers and city explorers! Looking for a chill hangout spot that’s educational, family-friendly, and totally Instagram-worthy? Make your way to the Jakarta Public Library in Cikini. This isn’t just a place to flip through books, it’s a fresh, modern destination where culture meets creativity.

Officially called Perpustakaan Jakarta dan Pusat Dokumentasi Sastra HB Jassin, or simply the Jakarta Public Library, this spot has been around since 1976.

After a major revamp, it reopened in 2022 with a bold new look, an upgraded collection, and loads of cool spaces that draw everyone from solo readers to families with kids. Curious what makes this library worth the trip? Let’s take a closer look with TRAC.

5 Things about Jakarta Library

Location

The library is located in the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) complex at Jl. Cikini Raya No. 73, right in Central Jakarta. Its central location makes it easy to stop by after visiting nearby city landmarks. It’s also a great escape from Jakarta’s hectic pace.

Now Open Late

As of May 2025, many public libraries in Jakarta now stay open until 8 PM, and some, including the Jakarta Public Library in Cikini, even operate later on weekends. That means more time to dive into your favorite books or unwind after a busy day in the city.

The library is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with final check-ins accepted until 9:30 PM. Just a heads-up: it’s closed on public holidays.

What’s Inside?

Forget the stereotype of stuffy libraries. The Jakarta Public Library is sleek, modern, and full of inviting, well-designed spaces.

The book collection is impressive, covering everything from classic literature and science books to trending titles and children’s favorites. Beyond the books, here’s what else you’ll find:

• A dedicated kids’ reading room with an educational play area
• A cozy family reading space
• A tiered reading staircase, perfect for lounging with a good book
• Private play booths for little ones
• A nursing room for moms
• Free Wi-Fi and plenty of charging outlets
• Online reservation and book borrowing system

Everything’s designed to make reading fun, easy, and accessible. Whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or with your entire family.

Things to Do at the Library

Yes, reading is the main draw, but there’s a lot more happening here. You can also:

• Join regular workshops and open discussions
• Sign up for creative writing or storytelling sessions for kids
• Check out art exhibits and installations in the gallery area
• Relax in the library lounge, quiet, cool, and ideal for a break from the heat

If you’re coming with your kids or younger relatives, this is a great place to spend quality time while nurturing a love of reading early on.

A Few Guidelines to Keep in Mind

To make sure everyone has a great experience, here are a few things to remember:

• You don’t need a reservation to enter, but you must register through the Jaklitera platform and show your membership barcode upon arrival.
• Final check-in is at 9:30 PM
• No food or drinks in reading areas
• Keep the space clean and quiet
• Don’t leave your belongings unattended to “reserve” a spot—let’s all respect the space and each other

Other Must-Visit Libraries in Jakarta

Love hopping between libraries? Jakarta has more gems to discover:

• National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI): A towering space with an enormous collection and a top-floor view of Monas. Open until 7 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on weekends.
• Erasmus Huis: A peaceful space with Dutch cultural collections.
• Goethe-Institut Library: A go-to for German language and culture enthusiasts.
• Baca di Tebet: A cozy community library with a laid-back vibe.

Want to check them all out? You can. Just make sure your transportation is as flexible as your schedule.

Make It Easy with TRAC Car Rental

To make your educational city tour smooth and hassle-free, Jakarta rents a car from TRAC. With a wide selection of units, you can rent a car self-drive or with a driver. Just adjust it to your needs.

But if you want to be more comfortable, a car rental service with a driver is the most suitable choice. Especially for those of you who only have a short time, in between business trips.

You can explore various tourist destinations in Jakarta, ranging from iconic locations, shopping centers, or just culinary. Just be sure of the destination, TRAC's professional drivers will take you anywhere. All you have to do is sit back and relax on the road.

No need to be complicated, TRAC car rental booking can also be done easily through the homepage of the website or the TRACtoGo application. Download the app on Google Playstore and Apple Appstore.

Get tourist destination references and other interesting offer information by subscribing to the TRAC newsletter, as well as following TRAC social media on Instagram @trac_astra, Facebook TRAC-Astra Rent a Car and Twitter (X) @TRACastra.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's realize an exciting educational travel experience with TRAC! Not only to the Jakarta Library, but also to other cool destinations.

Whatever the track, just use TRAC!