JatimVoice.com – The Kediri City Government organized a communal reading event to commemorate National Book Day and National Archives Day. The event took place at the Car Free Day on Dhoho Street on Sunday (25/5/2025).
 |
| Source: suarajatimpost |
Participants included elementary school students, children's forums, and reading communities from various backgrounds.
Kediri Mayor Vinanda Prameswati, affectionately known as *Mbak Wali*, attended and distributed books to the children. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of cultivating a reading habit in an increasingly digital era.
"Even as technology advances, books remain a primary learning medium that fosters logic, imagination, and curiosity. Parents should take the time to introduce reading to children from an early age," said Vinanda.
She also warned that many children today prefer watching short videos online, which may hinder critical thinking skills.
Data shows that Kediri's reading interest rate reached 99.34 in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year's 54.2. This achievement places Kediri as the city with the highest reading interest in East Java and the third highest in Indonesia, earning recognition from the National Library.
The Kediri City Government pledged to continue supporting literacy through programs such as mobile libraries, reading corners, digital libraries, home book delivery, and storytelling competitions.
"This is our ongoing commitment to making reading a cultural habit," Vinanda added, as quoted by Beritasatu.com.
On the same day, the city also launched the *Duta Siaga* program, a free service to repair important family documents such as diplomas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and land deeds. The service is available at the Kediri City Archives and Library Office on weekdays.
"This initiative ensures that the public understands the importance of preserving documents and can quickly prevent damage in case of disasters," Vinanda explained.
Eko Lukomono, Head of the Kediri City Archives and Library Office, stated that the event also aimed to promote reading and archival services to the public. The office collaborated with the Community Reading Park (TBM) Forum, Kediri Book Party community, and local bookstores.
"As Kediri residents, we should be proud. Our city ranks second in reading interest in East Java and third nationally," Eko said.
During the event, Mayor Vinanda also awarded certificates to active TBMs promoting literacy, including TBM Cerdas Mandiri, TBM Al-Madinah, and TBM Lisa.
Tags
books
community reading
Duta Siaga
Kediri City
literacy
national
National Book Day
reading culture
Vinanda Prameswati