Sumedang – Wednesday, July 9, 2025, was an important day for literacy advocates in Sumedang Regency. Through a virtual event held on the Zoom platform, Evi Nursanti Rukmana, M.I.Kom., a lecturer from the Library and Information Science Study Program, served as the main speaker for the “Read Aloud, Think Aloud, and Story Writing Training.” This event was held in close collaboration with the Sumedang Regency Sumedang Regency Forum, the Sumedang Regency Archives and Library Office, and the Sumedang Regency Education Office. The event also featured Ipul Saepuloh, Head of the Ceria Space Project, as a co-speaker.
This training was held with one main goal: to ensure that libraries do not only function as book storage facilities, but also as literacy centers that empower the community. Having a complete collection is not enough without efforts to encourage patrons to actively use it. Through activities like reading aloud and story writing, libraries can become an effective platform for fostering reading interest and creativity.
This activity was attended by a diverse group of participants who play strategic roles in the world of literacy. Ranging from School Librarians, Village Librarians, and reading community administrators to teachers, all attended to improve their knowledge and skills. The presence of participants from various backgrounds demonstrated a great deal of enthusiasm and commitment to jointly advancing literacy in Sumedang Regency.
The training was designed with a comprehensive structure, progressing from foundational material to hands-on practice. First, participants were equipped with read aloud material. They learned about the importance of this technique, were introduced to different levels of children’s books, and were taught various effective read aloud practice techniques.
Next, Evi Nursanti Rukmana, M.I.Kom. provided material on think aloud. Participants were guided to understand the concept, importance, and techniques of this method as a way to improve comprehension and interaction while reading. This session also included practical exercises.
To conclude, participants received material on children’s story writing from Ipul Saepuloh. This session not only covered the ins and outs of writing but also introduced participants to various types and levels of children’s books. The highlight of this session was the children’s story writing practice, where participants were encouraged to immediately apply the knowledge they had gained.
The success of this event is proof that collaboration between academics, the literacy community, and the government is crucial in advancing education. Through activities like this, it is hoped that the participants can become active agents of change, bringing the spirit of literacy to their respective libraries and tangibly improving the quality of reading interest in the wider community.
