Yogyakarta isn’t just a haven for cultural tourism, it’s also a paradise for book lovers. Amidst the city’s bustling streets and tranquil suburbs, you’ll find an array of cozy, inspiring reading spaces. From indie bookstores with charm and character to public libraries that double as creative hubs, these places offer the perfect escape for those seeking peace and inspiration.
Many of these spots go beyond just offering books, they serve as community spaces for discussion, creativity, and even healing. Whether you’re a casual reader or a literary enthusiast, these unique venues are ideal for anyone looking to unwind with a good book.
Here are the 10 best bookstores and libraries in Yogyakarta you shouldn’t miss!
Table of Contents
1. Ruang Literasi Kaliurang
- Location: Bondosari, Harjobinangun, Pakem, Sleman, Yogyakarta
- Operating Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Instagram: @ruangliterasikaliurang
Ruang Literasi Kaliurang is a public space that blends a library, community center, and creative hub. Located in Bondosari, Sleman, about 12–25 km from downtown Yogyakarta, it offers a serene reading atmosphere surrounded by nature. Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, this space is perfect for those who enjoy reading in the fresh mountain air.
Ruang Literasi has a collection of over 10,000 books, ranging from literature and humanities to vintage magazines and rare books. It also hosts discussions, seminars, and workshops. The venue features indoor reading corners, a kids’ zone, free Wi-Fi, a mini café, and even an open-air pavilion and a mini cinema. Additionally, it’s free entry for members, making it a true community-driven literacy center.
2. Mojok Bookstore
- Location: Ngebo, Jl. Raya Ngebo, Sukoharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman, Isimewa Yogyakarta
- Operating Hours: Monday (11 AM – 8 PM), Tuesday – Thursday (9 AM – 8 PM) & Saturday – Sunday (1 PM – 12 PM)
- Instagram: @mojokstore
Mojok Bookstore is located in the middle of rice fields in Sukoharjo, Sleman, and is known as an outdoor reading paradise. About a 30–40-minute drive from Tugu Station, this bookstore offers a picnic-like vibe with bean bags, picnic mats, and shaded reading spots under lush trees. It’s 80% open-air and invites visitors to relax completely.
Mojok is a hub for book lovers, writers, and artists. It regularly hosts community gatherings and discussions. There’s also a cozy café offering coffee, tea, and snacks, perfect for leisurely afternoons with a book.
3. Shira Media Library & Coffee Corner
- Location: Jl. Dersono, Ceper, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta
- Operating Hours: 8 AM – 11 PM
- Instagram: @shiracoffee
Shira Media Library transforms a publisher’s office into a cozy reading and coffee space in Sleman. With curated shelves of translated works and local authors, the place is a haven for quality reads. The minimalist vintage interior, warm lighting, and aroma of freshly brewed coffee create a calm and creative environment.
Shira also functions as a community hub, hosting book discussions, writing workshops, and coffee-brewing classes. CEO Cahyo Satria emphasizes that combining books and coffee helps cultivate a friendly, inclusive literary ecosystem.
4. Natan Bookshop
- Location: Jl. Mondorakan No.5, Prenggan, Kotagede, Yogyakarta,
- Operating Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Instagram: @natanbookshop
Who would’ve thought that Natan Bookshop is transformed a heritage site built in the 19th century in Kotagede, would become a library and cafe? Natan Bookshop offers a nostalgic reading experience in a heritage setting. Its indie-vintage atmosphere is enhanced by curated collections in literature, philosophy, and alternative titles. Visitors can relax in the pendopo area, explore a small art-café, or browse a mini-museum onsite.
With antique furniture and traditional Javanese architecture, it’s perfect for slow, immersive reading. Ideal for bookworms and cultural tourists alike, Natan Bookshop is a peaceful pocket of history and imagination.
5. Melek Huruf
- Location: Jl. Pucungan Desa, Candirejo, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java
- Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday (9 AM – 6 PM); Monday & Friday (10 AM – 6 PM)
- Instagram: @melek.huruf
Melek Huruf is a reading garden founded & managed by Cristian Rahadiansyah and Nina Hidayat, that located in a small village— Candirejo, near the Borobudur Temple. It’s about 1 1-hour drive from Yogyakarta. Visitors can freely read books on social issues, politics, and literature. It also offers food, lodging, and local insights for travelers exploring the Borobudur area.
Open Friday to Monday, the space features indoor and outdoor reading areas, a coffee bar, and a mezzanine with views of the Menoreh hills. Thematic bookshelves rotate monthly, and the venue regularly hosts book weeks, workshops, and discussions.
6. Solusi Buku
- Location: Jl. Karanganyar Raya, Blotan, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta
- Operating Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Instagram: @solusibuku
Solusi Buku become one a two-story bookstore in Sleman, offers a modern, air-conditioned environment perfect for focused reading, studying, or working. It has ample seating, fast Wi-Fi, and plenty of power outlets, ideal for students, freelancers, or teachers needing a productive space.
A café on the ground floor serves delicious coffee and pastries, turning long study sessions into cozy experiences. Though it’s a bit outside the city center, it’s easily accessible within 35–45 minutes from Tugu Station.
7. Buku Akik
- Location: Jl. Kaliurang Km 12, Gg. Besi Raja No.60 D, Candi Karang, Sardonoharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55581
- Operating Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Instagram: @lifeatbukuakik
Situated in the northern part of Yogyakarta, Buku Akik is a charming vintage bookstore on Jalan Kaliurang KM 12. Stepping inside feels like entering a literary time capsule, wooden shelves, warm lighting, and the scent of old paper create a peaceful, nostalgic vibe.
The store offers a wide selection of classic literature, indie publications, zines, and philosophy books. There’s also a quiet reading room that feels more like a personal library than a commercial space. If you crave silence and a touch of the old world, Buku Akik is your perfect retreat.
8. Ruang Melamun
- Location: Blok MG III Jalan Karangkajen No.885, Brontokusuman, Mergangsan, Yogyakart
- Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (12 AM – 12 PM)
- Instagram: @ruang.melamun
Ruang Melamun is a hidden gem for vintage book lovers. This space is a living archive of rare books, posters, tapes, and magazines, some dating back to the 1800s. Founded by Bagas Setia Wicaksana, the store emerged from his deep love for old books and the desire to preserve literary memories.
Ruang Melamun also hosts several community event such as intimate discussions, writing sessions, and even cooking events. Ruang Melamun somehow become a bookstore that reminds us of the beauty of slowing down life by reading and daydreaming in a warm, human-centered space.
9. Kebun Buku Art Books Coffee
- Location: Jl. Minggiran No.61A, Suryodiningratan, Kec. Mantrijeron, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55141
- Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (11 AM – 9 PM)
- Instagram: @kebunbuku_
Kebun Buku has become one of the best bookstores and libraries in town. They specialize in imported, rare, and secondhand books from around the world. You’ll be impressed by the classic-style house. It provides a relaxed and spacious environment for reading and browsing. Visitors can also borrow books, making it budget-friendly for avid readers.
Art lovers will enjoy the mini exhibitions by local artists regularly held here. With a cup of handcrafted coffee in hand, you can immerse yourself in both art and literature.
10. Narapuspitan Library & Public Space
- Location: Karangrejek, Wonosari, Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta
- Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (9 AM – 9 PM)
- Instagram: @narapuspitanlibrary
Located in
Karangrejek, Gunungkidul, Narapuspitan Library stands as a symbol of rural literacy revival. With its aesthetically designed three-story building, it offers reading areas, internet access, and discussion zones for all ages. The library feels more like a cultural café than a conventional library.
More than just a reading space, Narapuspitan is a community initiative born from collaboration between local architects, literacy advocates, and residents. With regular workshops and educational programs, it’s a place where reading becomes a lifestyle, and where literacy takes root, even far from the city. So, when was the last time you read in a place that truly calms your soul?
