Floating library swamped by demand

PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Indonesia's first and only floating library, which operates on the Kapuas River, has been swamped by queues of people wanting to borrow books, said Simpoen Magat, head of the regional library.

She told Antara yesterday that demand for books from people living along the river was high, but the floating library's collection is still limited.

The floating library was launched several years ago to service communities along the river. Simpoen suggested the government establish more libraries.

"There should be a library in every regency so that even people in the remotest areas have access to books," she said.

Simpoen heads a staff of 74 librarians. The library has 81,000 copies of books, and 35,000 titles. (swe)