Are you one of those people who cannot study at home? My room is a mess and when I'm there I just feel like binge-watching Youtube or  worse, opening the fridge and whip up a meal. I thought about going to cafes, something that I did quite a lot back in Jakarta, but it will break my bank soon enough so I have to think up another plan. I could go to my university library but since I don't live in my university city, it is cost and time consuming to commute there each time I need a place to study.

Thankfully, I live in a big city and this city of The Hague has one of the most best libraries. Well, it is not like the awesomely classic Melbourne library; this one is more modern. I've been there twice and I seriously think it's such a hidden gem. It is located in the same area as the Stadhuis, just off the main Centrum, yet it is so quiet and restricted from the hustle and bustle of the city. Some friends recommended the 5th floor study room and it is like a paradise for students. A large study area, with free internet access (I'm using it now as I escape the horrors of studying Neuropsychology) and there are some computers that you can use as well. People are all quiet and looked down to their laptop or thick textbooks. Honestly, it gives you that positive spirit to keep working as well! I also see some non students whom I assume are there to utilise the computers. Isn't that nice? Now everybody can have access to internet, for free, for loads of purposes. Sometimes, I would see some students lining up even before the library opens. That's telling you something.

Contrasting this to Jakarta, I honestly have no idea how to the national or even regional libraries work. Here, they give such an inviting aura, they are after all, a public place. If I was to name a library in Jakarta, I would know just one, which is the National Library, which I heard isn't an open library so you have to request a book and not physically go through the collection? (Correct me if I'm wrong). There's also a privately run Freedom Institute Library, which is nice also.

Here, everybody has access to books and knowledge materials. I'm sure there's a price but if you come regularly it will worth the money. If you don't want to pay, you can always read it there. I have yet to explore the whole library but I'm really excited to see if they have extensive English books collection. So, next time you're in The Hague, maybe you should check out this library.

Always,
Hana