When in Kuala Lumpur, besides checking out the shopping spots, cute cafes, and indulging one’s taste bud at the best dining places across town, don’t forget to check out KL’s Best Libraries and aesthetic bookstores.

Perfect to enjoy a quiet moment with books in hand for bookworms and bibliophiles, go visit these best 10 libraries and bookstores in KL to browse and read!

Read More: Purrfect Pleasures and Palatable Pursuits: A Weekend Guide to Kuala Lumpur

KL housed some of the most prominent libraries in the nation as well as in South East Asia. Here are some of the best libraries to visit in Kuala Lumpur:

Address: 1, Jalan Raja, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Constructed in 1989, Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur undergo an impressive revamping and revitalization in 2019, adding new books, digital content (audio and video materials, e-books, e-magazines and e-newspapers) computers and private rooms, workspaces (hey, it’s like a free co-working space!), and even interactive play areas for children.

The library membership is completely free for Malaysian citizens. This beautiful library is located on Jalan Raja, adjacent to Dataran Merdeka and is easily accessible via bus, LRT and MRT.

Address: 232, Jln Tun Razak, Titiwangsa, 50572 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The National Library of Malaysia on Jalan Tun Razak is the country's largest public library. Its collection has nearly reached 5 million items, including manuscripts, newspapers, maps, photographs, and digital archives dating back centuries. 

Once you've become a library member, over 500,000 books in Malay, Chinese, Tamil, English, and many other languages are available for borrowing. The library has not only book-specific spaces, but also offers an auditorium, cafeteria, prayer rooms, children’s theatre, carrel rooms, locker facilities, exhibition hall, and multi-purpose hall. Moreover, there is free parking available for visitors.

Address: 84c, Jalan Rotan, Off Jalan Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur

Rumah Attap Library & Collective is an independent library and community space where the goal is to create a space where like minded people with interests in cultural studies, arts, literature, philosophy and social sciences, can exchange books, thoughts, and constructive dialogues.

Rumah Attap Library & Collective offer a space to add knowledge, a sense of community with the help of public participation. You could come and browse around the book collection or join the occasionally held discussions, workshops, book talk, even movie screenings. The library open every Saturday and Sunday (1.00 pm - 5.00 pm)

Read More: What to Buy in Kuala Lumpur for a Souvenir of Your Trip

Address: No 9, Unit 9, Jalan Beringin, Bukit Damansara 50490, Kuala Lumpur

Bukit Damansara Community Library is operated directly under the purview of Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia. Located in Damansara, this 2-story building offers a warmer laid-back environment which is open for locals.

With a vast collection of books and reading materials on the arts, philosophy, and social sciences, plus a solid selection of fiction and graphic novels for adults and children. The library is also equipped with a kid’s corner (a dedicated space separated by clear glass doors and walls, allowing parents to keep a close eye on their little ones), making this library kids and family friendly.

Address: Level 2 Wisma HELP, Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur 50490

As one of the oldest libraries in Kuala Lumpur, this library offers a unique and slightly different collection compared to other public libraries. MPL served as a centre for the Chinese community in the city, especially to access Chinese books and reading materials. 

The new location of MPL in Wisma HELP, now holds over 60,000 volumes of books in Chinese, plus English and Malay, covering the literature, history, biography and reference books of Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China.

Read More: Shopping Malls in Kuala Lumpur Not to be Missed by Shopaholics

After visiting the libraries and wishing to purchase some books, these are popular bookstores recommendations in KL:

Address: 78, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In a world filled with digital copies and e-books, this secondhand book store with over 30 years in business is a sanctuary for the old souls and analog book lovers. Said to have over 3 million books filling the 3-storey shop, make time to visit this treasure trove.

Address: F-8-1, PUSAT PERDAGANGAN, Persiaran Jalil 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This elegant bookstore and cafe in Bukit Jalil is a gem to those looking to browse and purchase Chinese books, especially on Chinese culture, literature and dialects. a quiet and tranquil place to visit when you’re around.  

Address: Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Wilayah Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Who would’ve thought that what was once an old abandoned cinema is now transformed into a beautiful and mesmerizing maze-like bookstore filled with rows and rows of books to browse from. Popular amongst tourists taking pictures around its every corner, this place can be crowded at times.

Address: Lot 2.88.00 - Lot 2.89.00, Level 2 (Orange Zone), Pavilion Bukit Jalil, No. 2, Persiaran Jalil 8, Bandar Bukit Jalil 57000 Kuala Lumpur

This aesthetic and well curated bookstore from Japan is truly a pleasant place to be. Blending an impressive collection of books, merchandise, knick knacks from Japan, and café a cafe, making it a comfortable place for many. 

Address: KLCC, 406-408 & 429-430, Level 4 Suria, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Another bookstore chain from Japan in KL that is worth visiting. Most people stayed longer than intended here, browsing rows of English and Chinese books, with a nice selection of Japanese literature, manga, and design books. They even stock some toys, stationery, and other knick knacks.

Read More: 5 Chinese Markets in Kuala Lumpur You Must Explore

Expand your knowledge and enjoy a quality time alone by visiting popular libraries in Kuala Lumpur followed by a trip to the best bookstores in town. This can be a perfect weekend adventure or a perfect day off to take a break from your weekdays hectic life. 

Plan a trip to Kuala Lumpur with Traveloka, the #1 All-in-one Travel App in SEA, makes travel fun and effortless. Find flights, hotels, airport transfers, and attractions all in one place with the best price guarantee. Start planning and let Traveloka handle all your booking!