Both are still under consideration, while the construction master plan (DED) will be completed early next year
Pariaman, West Sumatra (ANTARA) - The authorities in Pariaman, West Sumatra, are seeking to build a representative regional library at an estimated cost of Rp15 billion in the city.



"Next year, we will propose its construction to the central government, and it is expected to be completed in 2023," head of the Library and Archival Office of Pariaman city, M. Syukri, said in Pariaman on Wednesday.



He said Pariaman city should have a representative library because the area has many schools and colleges so students require a lot of reading materials.



According to Syukri, the Pariaman administration has two options in mind for the location of the library building, and the local government is still weighing the options.


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One of the locations is a former national building in Central Pariaman, he informed. It is not known whether the building is protected or not, he added.



"Both are still under consideration, while the construction master plan (DED) will be completed early next year," he affirmed.



The regional library in Pariaman will not only provide physical books, but also digital ones, he said. In addition, it will host stage performances and literacy cafés to attract the younger generation, he informed.



Currently, Pariaman already has a library, but its concept has not met the standards that are stipulated in the law, so it is necessary to build a representative library building, he said.

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"Earlier, Pariaman got a grant for a library, but its (library type) is still general, not representative," Syukri informed.



He said he believes Pariaman can get help from the central government in building a library, saying his team will be assisted by the National Library, considering other districts and cities in West Sumatra have obtained similar assistance.



"That was the message of the Mayor of Pariaman, if other areas can (get the aid), we should too," he said.



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Translator: Altas M, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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