Novia D. Rulistia , The Jakarta Post , Bandung | Sun, 08/16/2009 12:23 PM | Discover
The homely interior of Reading Lights makes visitors feel at welcome. JP/NOVIA D. RULISTIA
The aroma of coffee and thousands of second-hand books warmly welcome as you open the door to Reading Lights book store.
Situated not far from Parahyangan Catholic University on Jl. Siliwangi in Bandung, Reading Lights is not just a place to buy affordable foreign language books, but is also a good place to go to read your favorite books - accompanied by a cup of coffee.
"When we built this place, we wanted it to be more than just a bookstore. We wanted it to be homely, so people could feel comfortable here, hunting for their favorite books or just reading in our reading room," store manager Riswan Lintang said.
The two-story Reading Lights shop, built in 2006, now holds more than 20,000 titles, not only in English, but also some in Japanese, French and German.
Booklovers can find fiction books on the creamy-brown (and ironically dimly lit) first floor, and non-fiction books on the second floor that doubles as a function room.
The books for sale are priced from Rp 3,000 up to more than Rp 100,000 each.
Riswan says his team hunts for books for themselves, digging through traditional book markets and places where foreigners live.
"If you can't find books you want to read on the shelves, you can order them and we will look for them," he said. These services are available for everyone, not just members of Reading Lights, Riswan adds.
To become a member, students must buy Rp 60,000 worth of books, or Rp 100,000 worth for non-students. Members are offered discounts on purchases.
Besides books and coffee, Reading Lights also offers a corner for children where a story teller is ready to accompany them while their parents are busy surfing the sea of books.
"Apart from books, we also have regular activities in our function room. We have writing, sketching, knitting, batik, paper-cut, photography and backpacker circle as well as Friday night movies," Riswan said.
The circle, similar to an activity club, is set up to provide customers with complete information about their interests, not only through their own readings, but also through a hands-on and sharing forum.
"I don't come here that often, but when I need good books at affordable prices, it's the place I come to," said Miranti Puspa Kemala, a customer.
"However, I don't like this dim light. It's hard for me too read in here. The books are pretty good though," she said.
