My Biggest Flex: Being an Active Member of a Library

Well, I have a confession to make.

I’m an X addict. I have this compulsive need to regularly open that app to keep myself up to date with the current trending topic. From observing the extensively debated issue to anxiously monitoring Taylor Swift’s fan account to know her latest surprise songs, I’m almost always there.

A couple of days ago, the majority of Indonesia’s X users were busy conversing about their biggest flex in life. Some stirred up controversy upon admitting that their biggest flex was having a certain digit in their savings account. Some others answered with the most random things you could only imagine.

As always, I was there to observe, not to join in the conversation. But the million-dollar question bothered me more than I was willing to admit. I found myself wondering, “What is my biggest flex? Can I find something similar in those 14k quote replies?”

I got my answer last night. When I saw a book labeled with the ‘National Library of Indonesia’ sticker on my nightstand, I just knew. My biggest flex right now is being an active member of the tallest library in the world. How cool does that sound?

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About the National Library of Indonesia

Located in Central Jakarta, the National Library of Indonesia is a twenty-seven-story-high public library that opens to the public from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 09.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. on weekends. Other than comfortable spots for reading, the library provides other various facilities too, such as a cultural heritage building, audio-visual media collections, a theater room, etc.

I have been a member of the National Library of Indonesia starting October last year. Since then, I have borrowed twenty-one books in total. Not a huge amount, I admit, but I’m quite proud of the fact that I have utilized something so useful that is freely provided for the general public.

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How to Be a Member of the National Library of Indonesia

1. Self-register yourself through this link. After filling in all the required data, you will get a member identification number.

2. Go to the second floor of the library to get your picture taken at the right side of the elevator. Your physical member card will be ready in a few minutes.

Tips 💡: There are two locker areas on the first floor to store your bag. You can get the key by depositing your identification card to the receptionist. Please keep in mind that you are never to leave anything valuable unattended. After that, you can bring the library’s see-through tote bag during your visit.

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The Perks of Being a Member of the National Library of Indonesia

Once you have reached level 1 of the library membership, you can utilize the Smart Locker facility on the second floor. Instead of wandering around the shelves looking for a gem to go home with, you are now able to order a book or two online with only a few steps:

1. Log in to https://opac.perpusnas.go.id/.

2. Find the book you want to borrow. If it’s available, click the borrow button.

3. You will receive an email to notify the book status.

4. Once the librarian has put the book in the locker, you will receive another email to notify the pick-up time limit.

5. Go to the Smart Locker room located on the second floor of the library. Tap your library membership card on the machine available there. After a few minutes, the screen will show a number and the locker will automatically open.

7. Take the book and close the locker door.

See? You can even enjoy Jakarta's scenery from its rooftop. What a flex.