Are libraries currently available in remote areas on the islands of Indonesia? Currently, libraries with adequate facilities and good resources for all ages, from children to adults are only available in big cities. These libraries can be easily accessed by the citizens.
However, there is a story about a small library in the Talekoi village in the northern part of Central Kalimantan. It was initiated by Ranu Welum Foundation and Talekoi's Village Government to provide reading materials for children, despite how far they are located from the province's capital, Palangka Raya, almost 8 hours drive by car.
The library was built for children in Talekoi and nearby villages to read and learn from the books. The books available are still limited, especially in terms of textbooks and scientific books.
By the library's existence in the village, we would like to support and increase the literacy awareness among generations. We are not only targeting the children, but also teens, adults, and elders by varying the book categories. So, the whole village can read the book based on their preferences, either the cooking recipes book, entrepreneurships, magazines, or others.
In addition to reading activities, the library also provides other activities such as drawing, coloring, storytelling and singing local songs. These activities provide an opportunity for the children to develop themselves within the local culture.
The latest visit to the library took place on April 2, 2023. Ibu Devi, the library's manager, warmly welcomed our team. She also introduces us to Dewi, her younger sister, who helped her manage the library. Their sparkling eyes stood out as we dropped the boxes and bags containing 200 'new' books for the library.
"What a treasure," Ibu Devi said. With her help, and some children who were playing nearby the library, we organized the books per category in the selves. We divided the books in 2 shelves, one for the adult's books, and another one for the children's books. All the collections were completely organized in 2 hours.
Seeing the new books already sitting in their new place, Ibu Devi and Dewi again expressed gratitude towards the donors. The 200 books were collected from our January-March donation programs by 12 donors, individuals and organizations. The books were loved once by the previous owners, and will be loved more by the villagers of Talekoi. They really cherish the books as treasures, something they almost impossibly got in their villages.
Beside the book donation, we also campaign the Tabungan Buku as a book reading competition to spread literacy within the Talekoi's children. We will have 5 winners and take them to spend their school break in Palangka Raya at the end of this year for free. Ibu Devi and Dewi will list and validate the children's books by asking them questions regarding the book. Hence, the children will be more excited to finish all the books suitable for them in the library.
You can take part and support our programs in Talekoi by donating.
