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)