Enhancing Students’ Reading Engagement through Library Revitalization: A Case Study at SMA IT Tri Sukses Generus, Balikpapan City.

Abstract

SMA IT Tri Sukses Generus is one of the schools that holds great potential in developing literacy among its students. However, the utilization of the library as a learning resource center has not yet been fully optimized. This can be seen from the low reading interest of students, which directly impacts the development of their basic literacy skills. In fact, literacy is an essential competence that is not only related to reading ability, but also to critical thinking, understanding information, and processing knowledge to support learning in various fields. In response to this condition, this community service program was designed to optimize the role of the library through several strategies. The efforts carried out include revitalizing library facilities to make them more comfortable and attractive, increasing the quantity and variety of book collections relevant to students’ needs, and implementing a 15-minute daily reading program before learning activities begin. Furthermore, the implementation methods of this program involved literacy pre-tests and post-tests, Focus Group Discussions, library community outreach, photo mapping, and the application of a QR card–based borrowing system to facilitate book access. The results of the program indicate a significant increase in students’ reading interest and library activities. Students became more active in reading as well as engaging in discussions about the content of books. This program not only had a positive impact on fostering literacy habits, but also established a foundation for sustainable, community-based library management.