About Us
What is Shelf Therapy?
Shelf Therapy is a mindful book club platform and literary community that brings people together through books, meaningful conversations, workshops, curated content, podcasts, and community experiences rooted in culture, wellbeing, and connection.
How did Shelf Therapy begin?
Shelf Therapy began as a personal book club project during the COVID-19 pandemic, created to foster connection through reading and meaningful conversations online. Over time, it evolved into a growing literary platform and community for readers across Indonesia and beyond.
Where is Shelf Therapy based?
Shelf Therapy is based in Bali, Indonesia, while growing both an online and offline community locally and internationally.
What is Shelf Therapy’s mission?
Shelf Therapy aims to make reading feel more accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant by creating thoughtful literary spaces and experiences that encourage reflection, creativity, wellbeing, and meaningful connection.
Book Club & Reading
What is the Shelf Therapy Book Club?
The Shelf Therapy Book Club is a monthly reading community where readers come together to explore books through thoughtful discussions, reflection, and shared experiences.
How does the monthly book pick work?
Each month, Shelf Therapy selects a book for the community to read together. The selection may vary across genres including fiction, memoirs, poetry, philosophy, culture, wellness, psychology, self-development, and contemporary literature.
Do I have to finish the book before attending?
Not at all. You are welcome to join whether you have finished the book, are still reading, or are simply interested in the conversation and themes being discussed.
How are books selected?
Books are curated based on meaningful themes, storytelling, cultural relevance, emotional depth, and conversation potential.
Do I need to be an avid reader to join?
No. Shelf Therapy welcomes readers of all levels — whether you read often, are returning to reading, or are simply curious about books and meaningful conversations.
Is Shelf Therapy only for women?
No. Shelf Therapy is open to everyone who enjoys books, creativity, culture, and community.
Events & Gatherings
What kinds of events does Shelf Therapy host?
Shelf Therapy hosts a variety of experiences including:
book clubs
book gatherings
book swaps
workshops
wellness & creative events
podcasts & live conversations
pop-up reading corners & bookshelf
future retreats & immersive experiences
What are Shelf Therapy gatherings like?
Our gatherings are designed to feel warm, welcoming, thoughtful, and relaxed — encouraging meaningful conversations and genuine connection through books and shared experiences.
Can I attend events alone?
Absolutely. Many people attend Shelf Therapy events on their own, and we intentionally create spaces that feel welcoming and easy to connect within.
Can I bring a friend or partner?
Yes. We encourage people to bring friends, partners, family members, or anyone who may enjoy the experience.
How do I attend an event?
Event information, registration links, and announcements are usually shared through our website and social media platforms.
Are events ticketed?
Community events are free while others may require tickets or reservations depending on the venue, experience, or collaboration.
Where are events usually held?
Shelf Therapy events are often hosted in cafés, wellness spaces, hotels, bookstores, creative venues, cultural spaces, and nature-inspired settings.
Are events only held in Bali?
While Shelf Therapy is currently based in Bali, we hope to continue expanding through collaborations and co-hosted gatherings in other cities across Indonesia and internationally.
Can I co-host a Shelf Therapy gathering in my city?
Yes. We are open to thoughtful collaborations and community-led gatherings that align with the values and vision of Shelf Therapy.
What are Shelf Therapy workshops?
Our workshops are creative and reflective experiences centered around themes such as reading, writing, journaling, storytelling, creativity, mindfulness, wellbeing, and personal growth.
What is a book swap?
A book swap is a community gathering where attendees bring books they have loved and exchange them with others — encouraging sharing, accessibility, and discovery through reading.
Collaborations & Partnerships
Does Shelf Therapy collaborate with brands and organizations?
Yes. We collaborate with brands, publishers, hospitality spaces, cultural organizations, writers, artists, and creative communities that align with our values and vision.
What kinds of collaborations does Shelf Therapy offer?
We collaborate on:
curated community events
literary and cultural programming
workshops and wellness experiences
panel discussions and moderating
hospitality and retreat programming
podcast and content collaborations
creative community experiences
Can I contribute as a writer, speaker, or creative?
Yes. We are always open to connecting with writers, readers, artists, educators, and thoughtful creatives interested in contributing to Shelf Therapy.
Can I volunteer with Shelf Therapy?
Yes. We welcome volunteers who are passionate about books, creativity, community-building, and promoting reading culture.
Support & Contributions
How can I support Shelf Therapy?
You can support Shelf Therapy through contributions, partnerships, attending events, collaborations, book donations, or simply by sharing our work and becoming part of the community.
Why does Shelf Therapy accept contributions?
As an independent and growing literary platform, contributions help us continue creating meaningful literary spaces, workshops, gatherings, and accessible reading experiences for younger generations in Indonesia.
Where do contributions go?
Contributions help support:
community programming
literary events and workshops
podcasts and creative content
affordable and pre-loved book initiatives
pop-up reading corners
collaborations and community projects
accessible literary experiences for young readers
Does Shelf Therapy accept book donations?
Yes. We welcome book donations that help support reading initiatives, community spaces, and accessible literary experiences.
Is Shelf Therapy a non-profit organization?
Shelf Therapy is an independent community-led literary platform currently supported by Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati as it continues to grow sustainably.
Does Shelf Therapy make a profit?
Shelf Therapy is currently focused on building and sustaining its community initiatives and literary programming. As the platform grows, we hope to create sustainable revenue streams that allow the community, its programs, and future team to continue growing long-term.