East Kalimantan Library and Archives Service strengthens child-friendly literacy to reduce gadget dependency

Samarinda (ANTARA) - The East Kalimantan Provincial Library and Archives Service (DPK Kaltim) is strengthening child-friendly literacy programmes to cultivate reading interest from an early age while reducing the younger generation’s dependency on gadgets.

“We continue to intensify the promotion of a reading culture for children to ensure it runs optimally through children’s reading garden services and literacy events,” said the Head of the Library Development and Reading Habit Cultivation Division (P3KM) of DPK Kaltim, Hana Iriana, in Samarinda on Sunday.

The agency has routinely held several annual competition events for children from preschool to high school levels, such as drawing and colouring contests for young children, storytelling competitions for primary school pupils, and book reviews for secondary school students.

“There is also a literacy tour designed to be fun and enjoyable,” she said.

Facilities in the children’s reading room have now been upgraded with the addition of an educational play area for early childhood visitors.

The addition of this playground facility is believed by the agency to serve as a unique attraction, making children feel comfortable and eager to spend time in the library area.

“Storytelling activities, which have long been a key method to attract toddler and child visitors, are also ensured to be actively conducted by service staff as part of outing classes,” said Hana.

“The public’s enthusiasm for the doorstep service also indicates a positive trend, evidenced by the high demand for visits from the mobile library fleet after the Eid holiday,” she revealed.

She added that DPK Kaltim’s various efforts to improve service quality are expected to provide public spaces that consistently educate children while distancing them from gadget dependency.