Foundation launches library on wheels<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A community-based organization launched its
\nfirst mobile library Saturday, targeting children and teenagers
\nin Jakarta.<\/p>\n
With a modest collection of 3,000 books, the Wandering Books
\nFoundation began its services thanks to a van contributed by the
\nassociation of Indonesians who studied in Germany.<\/p>\n
About 50 university students have volunteered to take part in
\nthe project, foundation secretary E. Olvia Beauthauville-
\nReksodipoetro, told The Jakarta Post at the launching ceremony.<\/p>\n
\"We're very concerned about the reading habits of Indonesian
\nchildren,\" said the French-born Olvia.<\/p>\n
The foundation, chaired by Nasti M. Reksodiputro of the
\nUniversity of Indonesia, studied the feasibility of the project
\nfor one year before deciding to initiate it.<\/p>\n
Although mostly run by volunteers, Olvia said the project will
\nstrive to provide a professional service.<\/p>\n
Initially, with only one van, the mobile library will operate
\nin Rawamangun district in East Jakarta on Monday and in Cilandak
\ndistrict in South Jakarta on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
On both days, the library will be open for three hours.<\/p>\n
The staff and volunteers will not only manage the library, but
\nwill also organize storytelling, games, contests and other
\nactivities designed to help children develop the love and habit
\nof reading, Olvia said.<\/p>\n
The foundation welcomes outside donations to help run the
\nproject.<\/p>\n
The books in the library were donated by, among others,
\nGramedia, Balai Pustaka and the Jakarta British Council, she
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Jakarta municipality welcomed the project as
\ncomplementing its own mobile library services.<\/p>\n
\"We regard them (Wandering Books Foundation) as a partner,\"
\nthe head of Jakarta's General Library, Mansur Rajak, told the
\nPost at the launching ceremony.<\/p>\n
Mansur said the city now runs nine mobile libraries, but
\nideally, it needs at least 35 vans to cover the whole of Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Each of the five mayoralties should have at least seven mobile
\nlibraries, he said, adding that the municipality is working to
\nmeet the target. (26)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/foundation-launches-library-on-wheels-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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