What Can You Do at the Library? Celebrating Indonesia’s Library Visit Day

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Every September 14, Indonesia marks Library Visit Day as a moment to encourage people to visit libraries and develop a stronger reading culture. According to the National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas), the observance is part of efforts to promote reading habits and strengthen the role of libraries in society.

September 14 was designated as Library Visit Day in 1995. At the time, the government, under President Soeharto, encouraged libraries to become more accessible to the public and serve as one of the means to improve the quality of human resources.

Today, libraries are no longer simply places to read or borrow books. As people’s needs have evolved, libraries can also serve as spaces for learning, discussion, community activities, and access to various sources of information. Here are some activities you can do at a library:

1. Join a Discussion

Some libraries provide dedicated spaces for discussions and group study. These spaces can be used by students and members of the public to exchange ideas, work on projects together, or hold small group meetings.

2. Take Part in Workshops

Libraries can also host various workshops and training sessions. These may cover literacy, practical skills, or other topics depending on the programs offered by each library.

3. Join Community Activities

For those looking to meet people with similar interests, libraries can also serve as spaces for community activities. Book clubs, discussions, and literacy programs are among the activities that may be held at libraries.

4. Study or Work on Assignments

Libraries can be a convenient place for students to study or work on assignments. In addition to offering a relatively quiet environment, their collections and other reference materials can help visitors find the information they need.

5. Access Digital Collections

Technology has also brought library collections into the digital space. Some libraries provide e-books, journals, and other digital materials that can be accessed through electronic devices. These services give people more options for finding information without always having to use physical books.

These activities show how libraries can serve a broader purpose as people’s habits of finding and accessing information continue to change. With both physical and digital services, libraries offer different ways for people to make use of their resources based on their needs.

Library Visit Day can be a good opportunity to rediscover what libraries have to offer and make them part of our everyday activities. So, when was the last time you visited a library?