Best Bookstores & Libraries in Surabaya, Indonesia
1. Buku Kartini
A historic bookstore in Surabaya, known for its vast collection of Indonesian literature and feminist books. Houses a charming café.
- Rich Collection: Offers an extensive range of books focusing on Indonesian history, culture, and feminism.
- Historical Significance: Located in the house where Raden Ajeng Kartini lived during her youth.
- Café Inside: Provides a cozy café for readers to relax and enjoy their favorite books.
2. Perpustakaan Universitas Airlangga
A vast library located within the University of Airlangga, offering access to academic resources and a quiet study environment.
- Academic Resources: Offers a variety of books and resources related to academic disciplines.
- Quiet Study Environment: Provides a peaceful atmosphere for studying and research.
- University Location: Open to students, faculty, and visitors of the University of Airlangga.
3. Gramedia Bookstore Pasar Turi
A large bookstore located in Pasar Turi, offering a wide selection of Indonesian and international books.
- Wide Selection: Stocks a diverse range of books across various genres and languages.
- Central Location: Found in the heart of Surabaya, easily accessible for tourists.
- Café Inside: Includes a café where visitors can enjoy snacks and drinks while reading their books.
4. Perpustakaan Suryopranoto
A public library located in the Suryopranoto Square, offering books for all ages and interests.
- Diverse Collection: Catering to readers of various age groups and interests.
- Central Location: Located in the heart of Surabaya, surrounded by local attractions.
- Public Facility: Open to the general public and offers free access to books.
5. Perpustakaan Diponegoro
A library dedicated to Javanese literature and culture, providing a unique insight into the region's history.
- Javanese Literature Focus: Centers around books related to Javanese history and culture.
- Unique Collection: Houses rare and hard-to-find books on Javanese literature and art.
- Study Room: Offers a dedicated room for researchers and scholars to study in peace.
6. Perpustakaan Gubeng
A public library located near the iconic Surabaya railway station, providing books for all ages and interests.
- Diverse Collection: Catering to readers of various age groups and interests.
- Central Location: Located near the Surabaya railway station, making it easily accessible for tourists.
- Public Facility: Open to the general public and offers free access to books.
7. Graha Matahari Bookstore
A multi-level bookstore located in Graha Matahari Shopping Mall, offering a wide variety of books and stationery.
- Wide Selection: Stocks a diverse range of books across various genres and languages.
- Shopping Mall Location: Inside Graha Matahari Shopping Mall, providing additional shopping options.
- Café Inside: Includes a café where visitors can enjoy snacks and drinks while reading their books.
8. Perpustakaan Diponegoro II
Another branch of the Perpustakaan Diponegoro, dedicated to promoting Javanese literature and culture.
- Javanese Literature Focus: Centers around books related to Javanese history and culture.
- Unique Collection: Houses rare and hard-to-find books on Javanese literature and art.
- Study Room: Offers a dedicated room for researchers and scholars to study in peace.
9. Buku Grosir
A wholesale bookstore offering discounted books to the public, perfect for book lovers on a budget.
- Discounted Books: Sells books at lower prices compared to regular retail stores.
- Wide Selection: Offers a diverse range of books across various genres and languages.
- Wholesale Focus: Mainly catering to bookstores, schools, and organizations, but open to the public as well.
10. Perpustakaan Muhammadiyah
A library located within the Muhammadiyah complex, offering books on Islamic studies and general literature.
- Islamic Studies Focus: Provides a collection of books related to Islam and Islamic studies.
- Central Location: Located within the Muhammadiyah complex, offering easy access for visitors.
- Public Facility: Open to the general public and offers free access to books.
11. Gramedia Bookstore Tunjungan
A bookstore located within the Tunjungan Plaza shopping mall, offering a wide selection of books and stationery.
- Wide Selection: Stocks a diverse range of books across various genres and languages.
- Shopping Mall Location: Inside Tunjungan Plaza shopping mall, providing additional shopping options.
- Café Inside: Includes a café where visitors can enjoy snacks and drinks while reading their books.
12. Perpustakaan Pendidikan
A library dedicated to educational resources, catering to teachers, students, and scholars.
- Educational Resources Focus: Offers a collection of books, journals, and other resources related to education.
- Central Location: Located near the Surabaya State University, making it easily accessible for teachers and students.
- Public Facility: Open to the general public but primarily catering to teachers, students, and scholars.
13. Buku XL
A bookstore chain offering a wide selection of books at affordable prices. Known for its extensive children's book collection.
- Affordable Prices: Sells books at competitive and reasonable prices.
- Wide Selection: Offers a diverse range of books across various genres, including an extensive children's book collection.
- Chain Store: Has multiple locations across Surabaya and Indonesia.
14. Perpustakaan Jenderal Soedirman
A library dedicated to the memory of General Jenderal Soedirman, offering a collection of books on military history and leadership.
- Military History Focus: Provides a collection of books related to Indonesian military history and leadership.
- Central Location: Located near the Heroes Cemetery, offering easy access for visitors interested in military history.
- Public Facility: Open to the general public and offers free access to books.
15. Buku Lintas
A bookstore chain offering a wide selection of books, magazines, and stationery at affordable prices. Known for its convenient locations across the city.
- Affordable Prices: Sells books at competitive and reasonable prices.
- Wide Selection: Offers a diverse range of books across various genres and languages.
- Convenient Locations: Has multiple locations throughout Surabaya, making it easily accessible for tourists.