YLAI had again conducted a workshop entitled “Developing Libraries through Reading Activities and Library Visits.” This was the second workshop following the workshop on library management conducted in November last year. In this workshop, principals and classroom teachers were the focus in organizing reading activities and library visits. A total of 36 attendees representing 12 selected schools attended the workshops conducted on January 31 – February 3, 2017.
The four-day workshop was focused on conducting reading activities and library visits. These two tasks would be done by the classroom teacher, so that it becomes clear that organizing the library is not only the task of a librarian. Developing reading habits is the responsibility of the whole school community including the principals, teachers, librarians, students, even parents. Another very important focus was sharing the understanding about the features of child-friendly libraries.
The workshop was simple and interactive so it was easily understood by the participants. Despite having to complete 16 sessions, the participants stated that the workshop was not tiring and not boring. Workshop activities were varied such as exposure, discussion, sharing experiences, group work, and reading practices, and this workshop involved the attendees participating actively during these activities. At the end of the workshop, participants had an opportunity to practice reading in front of the students of SDN 4 Dalung. This practice was to encourage teachers to be more confident when implementing what they learned from the worskhop in their schools.
During the workshop, 4 facilitators from YLAI presented the materials in turn. In the session “Roles and Responsibilities in the Library,” the speaker was Mr. I Wayan Suleman. He represented the Education Department of Youth and Sports of Badung Regency. This showed the support of the local Education Department toward the activities to foster reading habits for elementary students in Badung District.
Creating reading habits has become the commitment of YLAI and the Badung Regency Education Department of Youth and Sport. This joint commitment needs to be put into action. After the workshop, support from the YLAI team for the schools will still be carried out, and in the near future they will be opening new libraries for students in schools. Furthermore, we all hope that in the coming days children will be more willing to read, often to read, and enjoy reading at school and at home.
Through this workshop, schools are really invited to commit to using the library more effectively. Selected schools are expected to change the face of their libraries and return the library back to its real function so that it will not just become a quiet space to store books.
