RANTAU (TABIRkota) – As an effort to increase interest in reading among inmates, the Library and Archives of Tapin Regency, South Kalimantan, has opened a reading room (also called free circulating library) at the Rantau Class II B Rutan (State Detention Center).
Estiaten Johan, Librarian of Tapin Library and Archives, said the reading room at the Rantau Class II B Detention Center had been open since 2019.
“We circulate books once every three months, so that detainees do not get bored. Besides, enriching their insight and knowledge,” said Estiaten, Monday (January 24, 2022).
She explained, there are 150 books circulated periodically.
The reading materials are part of the “Harapan Cerdas” Public Library collection, which is managed by Tapin administration.
Andi Hasyim, Head of Rantau Class II B Detention Center, said the program carried out by Tapin Library and Archives has increased interest in reading among inmates.
“We open the reading room every Friday and Saturday, with an average of 40 persons visiting each day,” said Andi Hasyim.
The number of detainees at the Rantau Class II B Detention Center is currently 323 persons.
Of that amount, the average number of visitors reaches 40 persons each time the reading room is opened.
“Beside reading in the circulating library, some inmates also bring books to read in the cell,” said Andi Hasyim. (sahrudin)
