UNAIR NEWS – Based on data compiled by National Library in 2017, the frequency of Indonesian people for reading books is only 3-4 times per week in average. The number of books read is only 5-10 books per year. As a matter of fact, the level of literacy affects the quality of human resources.
In many remote areas, public interest in reading is still lacking due to the lack of accessible reading books. To offer a solution to the problem, UNAIR students in 58th Community Service Program – Learning Together with the Community (KKN-BBM) team in Sidojangkung Village, Menganti Sub-district, Gresik Regency, established a village library.
The KKN team organized donations in the form of reading books by utilizing social media. In addition, each member of the KKN also donated a book for the library. The books collected were in the form of reading books, school lessons for elementary-high school students, religion, novels, and other educational books.
Village library in Sidojangkung Village, Menganti Sub-district, Gresik Regency, initiated by UNAIR KKN team. (Doc. KKN Team)
Sidojangkung Village Chief Sugiyanto revealed that the KKN team’s prize in the form of a village library was expected to increase the reading interest of the local community.
“Of course people can’t be forced to read if the facility is not provided. The library must be able to take the right role. This reading interest must be improved and struggled so they (children and society, ed) are interested in reading, “said Sugiyanto.
In addition to reading books, the library in Sidojangkung Village is also equipped with decorations and wall magazine space. The goal is to attract the attention of the local community to read in the library.
With the existence of the library, all levels of society in Sidojangkung Village are expected to be able to obtain information from books easily. The aim is certainly to realize a society that has a high interest in reading and knowledge and create a community with broad insights.
The village library was inaugurated on Friday, July 27 by Sidojangkung village head. The inauguration was held at the same time with the closing event of KKN at Sidojangkung Village Hall, Menganti Sub-district, Gresik Regency. (*)
Author: Fatikhul Muflich (Indonesian Language and Literature S1 Student, Head of Sidojangkung Village KKN-BBM Team)
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
