Slow days at DPR library

Slow days at DPR library

JAKARTA (JP): Activity around the House of Representatives
building may currently be at an all-time high, but amid the
maelstrom the House's library has become a lonely and forgotten
oasis of tranquility.

Since the start of the General Session of the People's
Consultative Assembly last week there has apparently been little
demand for the library's services, evident by the sharp decline
in book borrowing.

Widya Chalid, who has worked at the library for three years,
could only shake his head in confusion when he showed that the
list of books borrowed has not been added to since Sunday.

"It's quieter in there than ever," he said pointing to the
spacious library, located on the second floor of the building.

The library houses a collection of 80,000 books, in addition
to magazines, newspapers and microfiches.

He said that usually on a quiet day at least 20 books were
borrowed.

"But now nobody turns up, much less orders books or documents.
Perhaps because everybody is working in hotels," said Chalid,
referring to Assembly members who are being put up in lavish
hotels during the General Session. (amd)