Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Center
Promoting literacy in Bali
We world first like to congratulate Laurie Billington and her husband, Made Sumendra, on ten successful years of the Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Center, located in the heart of Ubud. Although Balinese culture is rich in arts and extensive traditional knowledge, it is not a strongly ‘literate’ culture in that most people don’t read books as a form of pastime or for enjoyment, or at least not yet.
Over ten years ago when Laurie first arrived in Bali, she found herself in a state of ‘book withdrawal’ and in a bit of shock. Being an avid reader, she hadn’t prepared herself for the lack of books and literature in Bali. In Laurie’s mind, a vision emerged of a multi-lingual library center where books would be available in both English and Indonesian. A small collection of books began, which eventually grew into the thriving library and learning center that Pondok Pekak is today.
Initially, the library was designed for adults and contained thousands of books for adult readers and some books for children as well. Laurie soon became aware of the issue of ‘adult non-literacy’ in Bali. Adults were not encouraged to read as children, or more likely books were simply not available to them, so they rarely read in their adult lives. However, it was not too late to start planning little seeds of literacy in the minds of Balinese children. Laurie then put energy into opening a well-stocked bi-lingual children’s library separate from the adult library. She noted very interesting statistics about the clientele in both libraries; in the adult library 95% of patrons are foreign whereas in the children’s library 99% of patrons are Indonesian-speaking children. I would say the seeds have been successfully planted!
The libraries
Pondok Pekak offers two libraries, one for adults and one especially for children. The adult library holds over 5000 books in English, Indonesian, German, Dutch, Japanese, French, Italian, and several other languages. There are a large variety of books available including fiction, non-fiction, travel guides, language books, books on Indonesian and Balinese culture, politics and history, spiritual books, short stories and essays, magazines, and more. Books can be read at the library or membership cards are available and books can be checked out.
The children’s library officially opened in 2001 after several years of funding issues and building. It is one of the only public children’s libraries in Ubud, and perhaps in Bali. Book levels vary from beginners to young adults. The children’s library is a very relaxed and comfortable space where kids can sit at tables or lounge on pillows with their books. There are also a variety of educational games and puzzles for the little tots or for kids who wish to take a break from reading and engage in hands on activities.
Community Activities
Pondok Pekak offers a wide range of community activities, largely related to the Sanggar (traditional music and dance organization). Sanggar programs include children’s gamelan and dance classes, children’s gamelan and dance performances (Legong and the Frog Dance), men’s gamelan, and an international women’s gamelan group. Other program include multi-lingual song circle for kids, Indonesian language courses, community English language courses, an A Cappella group, coordination of ‘Art of Bali’ workshops for tourist (mask carving, painting, dance, etc.), and on-going activities and events such as plays, poetry readings, lectures, monologues, workshops, and more.
Other Services
The library also has it’s own ‘bookshop’ where one can purchase used books. Pondok Pekak recently opened a high-speed Internet café for very reasonable prices. Internet packages can be purchased for a reduced hourly rate.
Support
The library self-generates most of its funds through its services and programs offered to tourists. In this way, free educational services can be extended to the Indonesian community. Although the library and its services are self-sustainable, there are still many areas where support is needed. They must maintain the building and structure itself, and must also support their staff. Anyone is invited to support the library with its general needs or more specific needs such as sponsoring programs and lessons, resources, art supplies and books, computers, and more.
If you have not yet visited the library in Ubud, you really should. The second you enter the building you are embraced by warmth and creative activity, and immediately feel that you are in a positive and fun learning environment. Please drop in; Pondok Pekak is located on the east side of Ubud’s football field (just follow the path and the signs). Feel free to call at (0361) 976194 or email Pondok@indo.net.id
