The Bank Indonesia (BI) representative office in Central Sulawesi province officially opened a public library on Tuesday.
The office's director Miyono told The Jakarta Post that the library provided around 2,200 books and thousands of e-books, which include information and data on the economy, finance and banking.
"Those who are looking for economy data can visit the library and our attendant will make the arrangements," said Miyono.
The library especially targets students in addition to the general public. It also aims to grow the reading culture of Central Sulawesi residents.
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Palu-based literacy activist Muhammad Isnaeni said the library needed to provide the same resources as the BI library in Surabaya, which actively conducts literary discussions. "[The BI Surabaya library] actively collaborates with literacy activists in Surabaya. Visitors not only come to read, but also participate in literary analysis and book exhibitions," he said.
Libraries will continue to survive if they provide space for the public to carry out these activities, said Isnaeni, who is also the head of Central Sulawesi Community Reading Park Forum.
Palu resident Azwar Putrasyah said the library could help the public in getting the literature they need, but he expects it to adopt modern features such as complimentary Wi-Fi and a cafe. "So that people will want to stay longer in the library," he said. (kes)
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