Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
Reading gardens (taman bacaan) are a unique form of community libraries that have sprouted up in Indonesia since the year 2001. They represent the culmination of more than a century of development of both private and government-led efforts to bring books to people. This article surveys the current situation of community libraries in Indonesia, using statistics from the government, as well as a survey conducted among community libraries in the greater Jakarta area. It shows how independent community libraries and government community libraries are different, lists examples of typical activities that independent community libraries run, discuss the future government policies, and also assesses some of the criticisms that have been raised about the community library model.