Small Libraries Project
Small Libraries Project
"pondok baca"
The word ‘Literate’ does not refer to the ability to read and write only, but it also means continual application of reading and writing such as an extent, where the practitioner represents his/her thought clearly and understandably.
The problem of ‘illiteracy’ affecting our society requires observation and close attention in order to find the appropriate formula specific to the condition of the target community.
Many children cannot afford to get proper education. They become the target of our problem and the program intends to help them to be intellectually healthy and morally sound. The children must have enough interest in reading, which may provide them with a skill to deal with life’s problems.
Concern has been aroused by the fact, than even urban children lack interest, as an unhappy result of the absence of libraries as well as scarcity of fund.
The problem of ‘illiteracy’ affecting our society requires observation and close attention in order to find the appropriate formula specific to the condition of the target community.
Many children cannot afford to get proper education. They become the target of our problem and the program intends to help them to be intellectually healthy and morally sound. The children must have enough interest in reading, which may provide them with a skill to deal with life’s problems.
Concern has been aroused by the fact, than even urban children lack interest, as an unhappy result of the absence of libraries as well as scarcity of fund.
The program of PONDOK BACA is to be applied to both rural and urban communities, preferably those served by the Rotary Club. It’s extremely difficult to find a good library, even in urban community. On the other hand, people do not consider books a priority. People’s income goes mainly to life’s essentials, but not books.
Our survey, shows that there are many POSYANDU’s (Child Care) building in most local community, called RW that have not been used effectively. These buildings get used a few times only in a month, for a few hours each times. They may be perfectly suitable to be used as a library building as well. It takes a huge sum of start a library. The buildings, the books and all sort of accessories never come cheap.
In Bandung, a number of Posyandu buildings have been used as libraries under the name of PONDOK BACA initiated by the Rotary Club. People around the libraries show their heartfelt for the fact that the books and magazines provided there may be used by everyone.
The board of libraries consists of local people, responsible to the Rotary club by means of regular reports, while the library attendants are given some training on basic library management.
The most importance thing is that there must be a person of the local community trustworthy enough to be the mediator between the Rotary club and the community.
The Rotary club also helps schools’ libraries and those found in other public places such as mosque and other places of worship.
Our State on Companies could be part of the team in renovation of Posyandu buildings, provided that the fund application is sign by local people.
The Rotary club determined to establish a PONDOK BACA with reasonable amenities, such as enough lighting and good ventilation, rest room and wash basin.
In certain areas facilities provided by PONDOK BACA could be far better than what is available at home.
Our survey, shows that there are many POSYANDU’s (Child Care) building in most local community, called RW that have not been used effectively. These buildings get used a few times only in a month, for a few hours each times. They may be perfectly suitable to be used as a library building as well. It takes a huge sum of start a library. The buildings, the books and all sort of accessories never come cheap.
In Bandung, a number of Posyandu buildings have been used as libraries under the name of PONDOK BACA initiated by the Rotary Club. People around the libraries show their heartfelt for the fact that the books and magazines provided there may be used by everyone.
The board of libraries consists of local people, responsible to the Rotary club by means of regular reports, while the library attendants are given some training on basic library management.
The most importance thing is that there must be a person of the local community trustworthy enough to be the mediator between the Rotary club and the community.
The Rotary club also helps schools’ libraries and those found in other public places such as mosque and other places of worship.
Our State on Companies could be part of the team in renovation of Posyandu buildings, provided that the fund application is sign by local people.
The Rotary club determined to establish a PONDOK BACA with reasonable amenities, such as enough lighting and good ventilation, rest room and wash basin.
In certain areas facilities provided by PONDOK BACA could be far better than what is available at home.
These small libraries manage in a good system. Likewise, we made the cataloging, the rules for borrowing books home and other arrangements as we find in a library. This small libraries are expected to be community's libraries for years in the future.
PP. Lies Nusyirwan
District Officer on Literacy Promotion chairperson
District Officer on Literacy Promotion chairperson
