Little ones enter the world of the imagination

Nine-year-old Risma paid close attention to her two ""students"" Akbar and Atun who were drawing at a small yellow table in the corner of the Jakarta Library.

""No, you are wrong. That's not how to draw a mountain,"" she unconsciously blurted out, much to the annoyance of a group of college students.

""This is not the place to play,"" one of the college girls said, glowering sideways at the three children in indignation.

Though they initially felt humiliated by the reprimand, the children were soon able to laugh about it and turn their attention to lego.

A back corner of the library has been designated as a play area, complete with child-sized chairs and tables.

Risma, who lives not far from the library in Menteng Atas, can be found there most afternoons playing lego or reading.

The library has dozens of young visitors but they are not allowed to borrow books.

To join the library, one has to have a city-issued identity card.

In its commitment to serve the community and maintain its collection, the library only allows Jakarta residents to borrow books.

""I borrow books with my sister's card,"" said Tomo, a fourth grader who came on Tuesday to return comic book Conan.

He said the library staff did not seem to mind and were in fact extremely helpful.

People from out of town have to photocopy books if they want to take them home.

But it seems not to be a problem since the library has quite long opening hours -- from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day -- and closes only on national holidays. -- Adisti Sukma Sawitri