FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT JUSTIFIES THE PRICING TIERS?

In an ideal world, access to knowledge, space, and community would be free for everyone. We dream of that and we’re working toward it.

But today, sustaining a space like Margin requires care in balancing values and viability. Too often, projects like ours collapse under financial strain or compromise themselves to external sponsors. We want neither.

Our pricing tiers exist so we can:

Value the labour and curation that make this space possible.
Keep Margin independent, intentional, and stable.
Offer different levels of access, so people can join in ways that fit them.

Over time, we aim to expand equity through subsidies, scholarships, and more inclusive pathways. What we can promise is every tier directly sustains a space where curiosity, care, and community can endure.

DO I NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO COME?

Not necessarily. If you come only to browse around, you can come for free. You can also meander and use our space with pay per entry for 50K for the whole day. But membership gives you fuller access: borrowing books, joining programs on early access / at discounted price, and being part of Margin in a deeper way.

CAN I JUST BORROW BOOKS?

Borrowing books is free for members. But you can also borrow books without signing up for membership at 25K-35K per book (depending on selection), maximum 2 books per borrow, for up to 2 weeks.

WHAT KIND OF BOOKS DO YOU HAVE?

We offer a range of books because we believe curiosity shouldn't limit playfulness and fun — from fiction, non-fiction, philosophy, art, critical theory, poetry, and more! But our special curation revolves around readings that liberate—intellectually, politically, creatively Many are carefully curated titles you won’t easily find elsewhere in Jakarta. Members also help curate the shelves over time, so it grows with the community. Find our full catalogue here.

WHAT HAPPENS AT MARGIN BESIDES READING?

We host community salons, film screenings, live music sessions, conversations, workshops, and our membership-special Marginalia Series — all to indulge in curiosity and deeper exploration, provoking more meaningful discussions. Members can also propose their own rituals or host a community session.

CAN I WORK FROM MARGIN?

You’re welcome to bring a notebook or laptop for writing and thinking. But our main purpose isn't to be a co-working space for productivity sake; instead, the energy we want to keep here leans toward contemplation, reading, and dialogue, not just chasing deadlines.

DO YOU HAVE FOOD AND DRINKS?

We offer free self-brewed tea, coffee, and free-flow water at Margin. We also collaborate with the café / restaurant next door, Zenko Kissaten, which offers a range of hot and cold drinks, including coffee, as well as food. You can order via Margin for drinks to be delivered inside. However, to nurture the space and books, we invite our visitors to eat at the designated table outside and return inside anytime!

CAN I HOST MY OWN EVENT AT MARGIN?

Yes, if it aligns with our spirit, especially for communities who want a thoughtful, intimate setting for gatherings. Members get first priority.

CAN I TALK AT THE LIBRARY?

Yes — we love conversation, community, and dialogue. Margin isn’t meant to be a silent vault. But we do ask for mindfulness: keep your voice soft, sense the room around you, and respect those who come seeking quiet.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO READ?

That’s what our library assistants are here for. You can come talk to ys — whether you’re looking for something that matches your current interests, a spark for a new curiosity, or simply a gentle place to begin. They’ll help guide you at every stage of your reading journey.

DO I HAVE TO SIGN UP FOR LIBIB WHEN I JOIN AS A MEMBER?

Libib is our digital catalog — it’s how we keep track of our shelves and borrowing system. Signing up gives you access to browse our collection online, check book availability, and manage your loans easily. You don’t have to sign up. But without it, you won’t be able to borrow books or explore the catalog from home, so your experience will be limited to reading inside the library only. Think of Libib as your key to taking Margin’s shelves with you, even beyond the space.

WHAT IF I DAMAGED A BOOK?

We understand accidents happen — but since our books are at the heart of Margin, we do have fines to help care for the collection. Fines are based on the level of damage, assessed by our Library Assistant:

Minor damage (fine is between 10–25% of book value): Small stains that don’t cover text or affect readability, light water stains, or slight wear to the cover. (Given their rarity, for Leema Library x Margin books, minor damage counts as medium.)
Medium damage (fine equals 50% of book value): Stains or water damage that blur but don’t fully erase text, or affect a few pages’ shape/structure. (Given their rarity, for Leema Library x Margin books, medium damage counts as major.)
Major damage or loss (fine equals 100% of book value or full replacement): Severe water damage, burnt stains, fading text, warped pages, or lost books due to borrower negligence. In cases of major damage or loss, you can either pay the full market value or replace it with a new, original copy.

WHAT IF I RETURN A BOOK LATE?

On the day your book is due, our Library Assistant will send you a gentle WhatsApp reminder. If you’re just a day late, don’t worry — we offer a one-day grace period. After that, there’s a small late fee of IDR 15,000 per day.