The 'Pojok Buku' mini libraries are currently available at Lebak Bulus and Bundaran HI MRT stations.
akartans commuting between Lebak Bulus MRT station in South Jakarta and Bundaran HI station in Central Jakarta can now browse articles or documents of their interest while riding the jam-free transportation system. The complimentary collection of literature in a variety of genres is available for passengers to pass the traveling time.
MRT corporate secretary Muhammad Kamaluddin said the collections of literature, which are available at two mini libraries, each at the Lebak Bulus and Bundaran HI stations, were meant to foster a habit of reading among Jakartans. The small libraries, named Pojok Buku (book corners), were launched on Sept. 4.
“The Pojok Buku initiative is a joint effort between the Jakarta Administration and PT MRT Jakarta as an effort to promote reading in the capital city. A small library has been set up at both Lebak Bulus and Bundaran HI stations as a pilot project. Next month, we will establish two others at Dukuh Atas and Blok M stations. Our end goal is for all MRT stations to have their own mini libraries,” Kamaluddin told The Jakarta Post by phone on Tuesday.
The two mini libraries currently have a total of 100 books in their collections. The number is expected to grow as MRT Jakarta has been campaigning for a book donations program to increase the collections.
“The literature currently in both libraries was provided by the Jakarta Library and Archive Agency, MRT Jakarta and the Education and Culture Ministry. We expect more manuscripts to come following the launch of Pojok Buku two weeks ago. So far, we have received more than 200 books,” Kamal said, adding that all the donated books would first be reviewed before being added to the libraries.
The two pilot libraries are being managed by volunteers at the moment. However, starting from October, MRT Jakarta will hire employees to manage them.
Rizky, one of the volunteers managing the library at Lebak Bulus Station, expected that he could get more book enthusiasts visiting and borrowing books from the library.
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