Combining the themes of education and entertainment, Zoe, short for Zone of Edutainment, has become a favorite place to chill out for students.
Located on Jl. Margonda Raya, Depok, West Java, near the University of Indonesia and Gunadarma University, Zoe offers visitors a library, a bookshop, a movie rental library and an open-air caf*.
"I love reading, and I like reading here because the place is comfy," said high school student Valerie Indiana while finishing her novel.
Opened two years ago, Zoe's library features thousands of books in its collection, from comics, history and romance, to teen and chick lit. At the same time, the bookshop also offers booklovers a variety of genres, including fiction and even some Indonesian traditional fairy tales.
Zoe's manager Endang M. said people did not need to be a member to rent books, as long as they read them at Zoe. But to take books home, membership is required.
"Members also get some benefits, such as 50 percent discounts for renting books or reading them at the reading space or the caf*," she said.
Members also get 10 percent off for every purchase of a book.
Members must pay annual fees of Rp 40,000 for college students, Rp 30,000 for students and Rp 50,000 for the general public.
Depok resident Ade Hapsari Lestarini said she enjoyed reading while eating at the caf* because the prices were quite affordable and there were lots of food choices.
"I usually come here to read, but sometimes I read and eat, or I just hang out with friends and surf the Internet for free," she said.
A wide variety of food is served up, from Indonesian and Asian to Western meals. There are also the popular Arabian cigarettes, Shisha, and free Wifi.
Zoe is open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Depok establishment is a branch of the Zoe Comic Corner in Bandung, West Java, which was established nine years ago. It is located on Jl. Pager Gunung, near Padjadjaran University. -JP
| 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|