I-Buku public library opens

I-Buku public library opens

A number of Bali-based artists, journalists and committed
individuals jointly lent a hand to establish a public library, to
be known as Taman Baca I-Buku, to provide children, students and
the public access to a large range of books.

Officially launched on Monday, Feb. 14, by Ibu Mas Beratha,
Taman Baca I-Buku is located within Taman Budaya Arts Center on
Jl. Nusa Indah, Denpasar.

A.A. Mas Ruscita Dewi, one of the initiators, said that the
newly launched library was part of a continuing campaign aimed at
raising levels of interest in reading among children, teenagers
and adults in Bali.

Visitors will be able to read and borrow books free of charge.
They will have to pay only a small amount in membership fees.

To attract people to the library, a number of events including
story-telling, reading contests, drawing and drama contests, book
reviews, discussion and other activities will be held regularly.

"The book collection is still limited but we are now working
hard to raise funds and donations to add to it," said Ruscita,
chief editor of children's tabloid Lintang.

Only a few public libraries are open in Denpasar and other
towns, housing mainly old and dusty book collections.

"It is hoped that this new library will provide a wide
opportunity for children in the city to read more books instead
of only watching television and playing video games, which are
now mushrooming in every corner of Denpasar," said Ibu Mas
Beratha, an educator and the wife of Bali Governor I Dewa Made
Beratha.

Readers, companies and individuals are encouraged to
participate in the reading interest campaign. Those eager to
donate used or new books will be especially appreciated.

For further information, please contact Mas Ruscita Dewi at
Lintang, tel. (0361) 225764, fax: (0361) 227418,
email:ibuku_tb@yahoo.com; or Rita Widiadana at The Jakarta Post
Bali Representative Office on Jl. Ratna No. 2, tel. (0361)
265436, fax: (0361) 223698, email:jpbali@indosat.net.id. -- JP