Best Destinations for Book Lovers in Surabaya, Indonesia
1. Surabaya Public Library (Perpustakaan Daerah Surabaya)
A spacious library offering a vast collection of Indonesian and international books. It also houses a children's section and regular events like book readings.
- Extensive Collection: Has a wide range of books in various genres and languages.
- Children's Corner: A dedicated area for young readers, making it family-friendly.
- Regular Events: Provides opportunities to engage with the local literary community.
2. House of Indies (Taman Suroboyo)
A museum complex showcasing Indonesia's colonial past, including a library with old books and manuscripts from the Dutch colonial era.
- Historical Collection: Offers an unique insight into Indonesia's colonial history through its collection.
- Museum Complex: Includes various exhibits, making it a comprehensive historical experience.
- Old Books and Manuscripts: Provides access to rare and historic texts for research or appreciation.
3. Surabaya City Hall Library
A modern library located within Surabaya's city hall, offering a diverse selection of books and facilities for reading and research.
- Modern Facilities: Equipped with modern amenities such as computers and Wi-Fi.
- Diverse Selection: Offers a wide variety of books in English and Indonesian.
- City Hall Location: Provides an opportunity to explore the city while visiting the library.
4. Taman Bunga Pembangunan
A park with a dedicated reading area featuring various books for casual and leisurely reading.
- Casual Reading Environment: Offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere for relaxation.
- Open-Air Setting: Allows readers to enjoy nature while they read.
- Community Interaction: Encourages interaction and sharing among readers in the community.
5. Indonesia's Children Literature Museum (Museum Literatur Pemakaian Anak Indonesia)
A museum dedicated to Indonesian children's literature with interactive exhibits and a small library.
- Interactive Exhibits: Provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors.
- Small Library: Offers books for purchase or borrowing.
- Focus on Indonesian Literature: Highlights the richness and diversity of Indonesian children's literature.
6. Wisma Indonesia Bookstore
A large bookstore offering a wide selection of Indonesian and international books in various languages.
- Wide Selection: Has an extensive collection of books to cater to various tastes.
- Language Variety: Offers books in multiple languages, including English and Indonesian.
- Local and International Books: Stocks books from local publishers as well as international titles.
7. Benteng KRAK Bookstore
A bookstore located within the historic KRAK cultural center, offering books on art, literature, and culture.
- Historic Location: Situated in a significant cultural landmark, providing an immersive experience.
- Focus on Art and Culture: Specializes in books related to art, literature, and Indonesian culture.
- Cultural Events: Hosts cultural events and workshops, fostering engagement with the local literary community.
8. Coffee-shop Libraries (Kopitiam Perpustakaan)
Cafes that double as libraries, offering a cozy environment for reading and coffee drinking.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Creates a comfortable space for leisurely reading and socializing.
- Coffee and Snacks: Provides refreshments to keep readers energized during their visit.
- Book Swap System: Allows visitors to swap books, encouraging sharing within the community.
9. Mobile Library (Perpustakaan Mobil)
A mobile library that brings books to various neighborhoods and communities around Surabaya.
- Accessibility: Brings literature to areas with limited access to libraries.
- Community Engagement: Encourages interaction and connection between readers in different neighborhoods.
- Book Donations: Accepts book donations to continually grow its collection.
10. Surabaya's English Language Bookstore (Buku Inggris Surabaya)
A bookstore specializing in English-language books for learners and enthusiasts.
- English-Language Collection: Focuses on books written in or translated to English.
- Textbooks and Study Materials: Stocks textbooks, study materials, and reference books for language learners.
- Language Learning Resources: Provides resources for learning English, including dictionaries and grammar guides.
11. Cyber Library (Perpustakaan Cyber)
An online library offering digital books and resources for readers in Surabaya.
- Digital Collection: Provides access to a vast collection of e-books and resources.
- Remote Accessibility: Allows readers to access books from anywhere, anytime.
- Conserves Resources: Reduces paper waste and conserves resources compared to physical libraries.
12. Surabaya International Book Fair (KiniBuku)
An annual book fair showcasing Indonesian and international books, authors, and publishers.
- Wide Variety of Books: Offers a large selection of books across various genres and languages.
- Meet-the-Author Sessions: Provides opportunities for readers to interact with their favorite authors.
- Cultural Exchange: Fosters international cultural exchange and understanding through literature.
13. Indonesian Literature Corner (Kawanku Kebangkitan Sastra Indonesia)
A corner dedicated to Indonesian literature within Surabaya's most famous bookstore.
- Focus on Indonesian Literature: Highlights the best of Indonesian literature in a single location.
- Local Authors and Books: Features books by local authors, showcasing the richness of Surabaya's literary scene.
- Book Signings and Discussions: Hosts events with Indonesian authors for book signings and discussions.
14. Indonesia's Graphic Novels Museum (Museum Kumpul Komik Indonesia)
A museum dedicated to the history and development of Indonesian graphic novels and comics.
- Graphic Novel Collection: Offers an extensive collection of graphic novels and comics from Indonesia.
- Interactive Exhibits: Provides engaging and educational interactive exhibits about the history of Indonesian comics.
- Focus on Indonesian Comics: Highlights the unique aspects of Indonesia's graphic novel and comic industry.
15. Surabaya's Comic Book Stores (Toko Komik Surabaya)
Stores specializing in graphic novels and comics, catering to both collectors and casual readers.
- Comprehensive Collection: Offers a vast collection of graphic novels and comics from various genres.
- Collectible Items: Stocks rare, limited-edition, and signed comic books for collectors.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Provides guidance to customers about the world of comics and graphic novels.