In Indonesia, a reading culture in schools has long been a problem because of a lack of child-friendly library spaces.

Children are not therefore familiar with reading storybooks on a regular basis. YLAI believes that libraries should be developed as a favourite place for children to enjoy and engage with books and develop a habit and love of reading.

YLAI joined with Room to Read, a non-profit organization, as an implementing partner in Indonesia with an initiative to develop elementary school libraries. Through this program, schools establish a child-friendly library within the existing infrastructure which is filled with many diverse, culturally relevant, and engaging stories. Various programs and training are offered by YLAI to support the library as a wonderful place for children to visit and check out books.

We have currently developed 202 child-friendly libraries for elementary schools in 6 districts of Bali and 6 districts of Papua and West Papua. Principals, teachers, and librarians received intensive library training in order to help Indonesian children develop a love and habit of reading. 202 Schools libraries have been developed 50,000+ Students benefited from the program 145,000+ Children's books have been distributed 2,200 Educators (principals, teachers & librarians) have been trained.

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