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The main entrance of Library building in Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi that was just innagurated on Saturday (09/03/24), (Photo : Perpusnas) - 

VOInews, Kotamobagu, North Sulawesi : Deputy for Development of Library Materials and Information Services of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas) Mariana Ginting together with Acting. Kotamobagu Mayor Asripan Nani inaugurated the Kotamobagu City Regional Library Services Building, North Sulawesi, as the government's effort to ensure public access to information and knowledge.

Acting Mayor of Kotamobagu Asripan Nani stated that this library building is a symbol of the civilization of the people of Kotamobagu. He said that the inauguration of the building was the momentum for a new chapter in Kotamobagu City.

"With the inauguration of this library building, the movement of literacy in Kotamobagu can be felt. I hope it will be busy with visitors so that people understand the importance of coming to the library," he said on Friday (8/3/2024).

Acting The Mayor explained that this library building was previously the Bobakidan building which was a place for discussions and deliberations for Kotamobagu City community leaders.

"The library is not just an ordinary place, but a storehouse of knowledge which is the key to reading logic, feeling, identity, innovation and creativity," he said.

It is hoped that this library building can accommodate the values ​​of Mobagu City's struggle and become a source of inspiration for the community.

Acting The Mayor also instructed that the library be turned on, by arranging a schedule for visits to universities and schools.

"I hope this library will become a symbol of intellectual consolidation in Kotamobagu. There are seven universities here, and this library must become a leading literacy center," he added.

He hopes that there will be support in the form of the latest books that can enrich the library collection. Apart from that, he wants modern facilities and collaboration with the National Library Center.

"Let's preserve this library, with the hope that in the future, the Kotamobagu library will be at the forefront in Greater Bolaang Mongondow," he said.

According to a release received by Voice of Inodnesia on Saturday (09/03/24), this three-story building, which is located on Jalan Brigjen Katamso, Kotamobagu City, was built using Special Allocation Funds (DAK) for physical education in the library sub-sector in 2022 worth 10 billion rupiah.

Deputy Mariana conveyed that the presence of the library service building is an effort by the central government to support the development of literacy and people's love of reading.

"An interest in reading must be developed from an early age and become a lifelong habit as a process to support education to create a knowledgeable society," he said.

In line with Law no. 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government, Deputy Mariana stated that libraries are a concurrent and mandatory affair at every level of government to support the regional government's agenda to improve the quality of human resources.

This effort, he continued, is in line with the 2020-2024 RPJMN which sets targets for increasing literacy, innovation and creativity. The government continues to encourage strengthening literacy culture through priority activities, namely the Mental and Cultural Revolution.

"Literacy culture is fundamental, through literacy a knowledgeable, innovative, creative and characterful society will be created," he explained.

To meet the information and knowledge needs of the public, National Library has developed digital-based library services including E-resources, iPusnas, BintangPusnas.edu, and Indonesia OneSearch.

Apart from that, the social inclusion-based library transformation program (TPBIS) which has reached thousands of libraries and millions of people is clear evidence of the government's commitment to expanding access to literacy.

"The literacy program is also strengthened by the establishment of DAK-sourced library service facilities, mobile library cars, and various coaching and development activities for literacy activists," he continued.

Deputy Mariana hopes that the integration of literacy programs between government institutions and society can make Indonesia a nation of knowledge, innovation, creativity and character.

"Congratulations on the presence of the Kotamobagu City Regional Library Service Facility Building as a means for developing people's love of reading and literacy", he concluded//VOI