Chris Pira, head of Library Services and Development at Dispursip NTT, emphasized the importance of reading for understanding the world.
“Reading is a window to the world. Devices are supportive, but physical books remain the foundation for gaining knowledge,” Chris said during a Monday briefing in Kupang.
Dispursip NTT reported that the NTT Regional Library recorded 41,506 visitors in 2025, combining in-person and online access.
“Of these, 22,738 were in-person visits, while 18,768 were online, totaling 41,506 visits for the year,” Chris said.
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In-person visits rose from 21,775 in 2024, reflecting steady growth in public engagement with library resources.
The library added 927 new members in 2025, including 873 general members and 54 online users, up from 710 new members in 2024.
Dispursip also recorded 280 uses of its LAPBUKIT book-lending service, delivering books to members in Kupang City, an increase from 241 times in 2024.
Online services included website access, e-Perpus NTT, internet services, and computer workstation use, supporting digital learning and remote library users.
“With annual visits previously averaging 45,000–48,000, we target around 60,000 visits across all services in 2026,” Chris said.
During 2025, the library organized literacy programs such as storytelling competitions, literacy video contests, book reviews, folk tale contests, and the NTT Literacy Festival held on December 11–13.
The initiatives aim to strengthen reading habits and literacy skills while balancing traditional books with digital access, promoting knowledge, critical thinking, and learning opportunities for youth across the province.
These programs highlight the library’s role as both an educational resource and a community hub, encouraging lifelong learning and cultivating informed, literate residents in NTT.
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Translator: Yoseph Boli Bataona, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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