SUMEDANG – The Library and Information Science program at the Faculty of Communication Sciences (Fikom), Padjadjaran University (Unpad), successfully organized a reading aloud competition as part of the Sumedang Cultural Literacy Festival 2025. This event was an implementation of a Community Service (PPM) activity titled, “Village Libraries as Organizers of Cultural Literacy Festivals in the Jatigede District, Sumedang Regency.”
The activity specifically targeted elementary school teachers in the area as participants. The competition was held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Lontong Elementary School in Jemah Village, Jatigede District, Sumedang Regency. Through this event, it was hoped that the educators could hone their reading skills, which in turn would have a positive impact on students’ enthusiasm for literacy.
This reading aloud competition was an initiative of lecturers from the Library and Information Science program at Fikom Unpad. The team of lecturers involved in this activity were Dr. Saleha Rodiah, M.Si., Nuning Kurniasih, S.Sos., M.Hum., Kusnandar, S.Sos., M.Si., Samson CMS, S.Sos., M.I.Kom., Evi Nursanti Rukmana, M.I.Kom., and Fitri Perdana, S.Sos., M.I.Kom. To ensure the smooth running of the event, the program also involved students from the study program.
The competition process began with teachers submitting online video entries of their reading aloud. These videos then underwent a strict selection process to find the best performances. This stage was crucial as it allowed participants to demonstrate their skills and creativity in effectively delivering narratives before the main event.
At the main event, the winners were announced, and the best video from a participant was played to show appreciation. In addition, there was a best-practice session on how to read aloud, delivered directly by a lecturer from the Library and Information Science program at Fikom Unpad. This session was designed to equip the educators with effective and engaging reading methods that they can apply in their classrooms.
The organization of this event has a larger goal: to make village libraries into attractive centers for literacy and cultural activities. Through this festival, it is hoped that village libraries can become the driving force for cultural events that will increase the public’s interest in reading and foster awareness about the importance of literacy among Sumedang’s youth.
Author: Febriyanti Bifakhlina
