I was quite disappointed when the holiday is over, meaning that I couldn't continue my mini program on how to stay sane and active as a Pengacara (pengangguran banyak acara 😂)—by taking KRL to Jakarta and meeting my late coworkers during break and taking home novels from Cikini Library. Now that I'm back to town, I've been curious to visit the new Independent Library at Dipati Ukur, The Room 19.

Inspired by the book The Room 19 (just like me who get inspired to write this post), this space was made for ones who want to take a break from their hustling bustling life. Since there is limited space, the guests should book and pay the fee in advance, Rp 25.000 for student, Rp 35.000 for general visitor and get a free flow hot tea in return. Also, the visit duration is limited too.

It is required to pay Rp 20.000 to borrow an English translation book in a week, and Rp 10.000 for an Indonesian book. Or I can read it for free during the visit. If I want to return the book, I have to pay a visit for Rp 25.000 again, even though I don't want to spend some time in there.

Let me do the math: If I want to borrow a single translation book for a week, I have to pay: Rp 25.000 for the initial visit, Rp 20.000 for the book itself, and additional Rp 25.000 to return the book. In total, I paid Rp 70.000 for a single book.

Was it worth the price?

As for me, It is still worth the price compared to buy the book itself and to make room for it afterwards—IF, and only if, I did not have any due reports or upcoming quiz so I could finish the book 😂

Nonetheless, it was a comfortable place to be alone and to stay focus to finish tasks. I know this is somehow biased opinion, but I could say that the fiction book collection is quite up to date—some of the covers are mostly seen on my Instagram explores, and already on my book lists!😆 Like Before The Coffee Gets Cold, and Mieko Kawakami's books. I got the chance to bring home All The Lovers In The Night, and the next list is Heaven *excited* I'll save the currently hype Breasts and Eggs, borrowed at HB Jassin Collection, for the next holiday.

I really wish The Room 19 could grow big, extend the space along with their collections!