Revitalization of Community Reading Gardens as an Effort to Increase Community Reading and Literacy Interest in Bothanan Village

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FORMOSA NEWS - Jawa Barat - Revitalizing Community Reading Gardens to Boost Literacy and Overcome Reading Deficits in Bothanan Village. To address persistent literacy challenges and foster a sustainable reading culture, a team of researchers from Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati published a comprehensive study in 2026 detailing the revitalization of the Angga Soyag Community Reading Garden (Taman Bacaan Masyarakat or TBM) in Bothanan Village. Published in the Asian Journal of Community Services (Vol. 5, No. 9, 2026), the research led by Dian Andriany and colleagues demonstrates how transforming inactive public reading spaces into dynamic learning hubs can significantly increase community engagement and youth literacy. This initiative addresses a critical national challenge, as literacy development remains a vital pillar for enhancing human resource quality and educational outcomes across Indonesia.

Background and Context

Indonesia continues to face significant hurdles regarding national reading interest and student literacy competencies. International metrics, such as the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), consistently highlight that Indonesian students score below average in reading proficiency compared to global peers. While governmental policies have introduced various educational programs, strengthening a grassroots reading culture remains an urgent necessity. Non-formal learning spaces like Community Reading Gardens (TBM) occupy a strategic position outside formal classrooms by providing accessible reading materials and educational programs directly to local neighborhoods. However, many community reading gardens across Indonesia suffer from underutilization, acting merely as physical repositories for books rather than active centers for community interaction. Recognizing this gap, researchers from Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati intervened to reactivate the dormant TBM in Bothanan Village, turning it into an interactive hub for children, youth, and local residents.

Research Methodology
The study employed a qualitative approach utilizing the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method. This design actively positioned the local community as active partners rather than passive subjects throughout the change process. The intervention was executed in three systematic stages:

• Preparation Stage: Researchers conducted initial observations of TBM infrastructure and interviews with managers, which revealed low public reading interest and a complete absence of structured literacy activities.
  
• Implementation Stage: The team reorganized the physical space by cleaning rooms, arranging shelves, designing child-friendly interiors, and executing a comprehensive book inventory. Furthermore, university students acted as facilitators for interactive literacy events, including reading aloud, book reviews, and creative writing or drawing sessions.
  
• Evaluation Stage: Program success was measured using participatory observation, attendance tracking, and reflective discussions with the community to gauge long-term benefits and involvement levels.
  

Key Findings and Results
The revitalization efforts yielded remarkable physical and qualitative transformations within the Bothanan Village reading garden:

• Facility and Space Optimization: The physical environment evolved from a cluttered, unmanaged storage area into an orderly, clean, and comfortable learning space.
  
• Book Inventory Expansion: Prior to the intervention, zero books were systematically recorded. Following the inventory process, a total of 630 suitable books were cataloged and organized for public use.
  
• Surge in Community Visits: Public participation grew steadily over the four-week implementation period, recording attendance of 10 people in week two, 8 people in week three, and peaking at 15 active visitors in week four.
  
• Interactive Literacy Engagement: Activities such as reading aloud with expressive intonations and guided book reviews successfully enhanced children's listening skills, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and creative expression.
  

Real-World Implications and Impact
The findings underscore that successful literacy programs require more than just physical book collections; they demand active community programming and inviting spatial designs. By shifting the public perception of TBMs from silent storage rooms to vibrant spaces for creativity and knowledge exchange, the project provides a scalable model for rural educational development. For policymakers, educators, and local village governments, this study demonstrates that grassroots interventions can effectively bridge educational gaps and stimulate lifelong learning habits from an early age. Commenting on the broader impact of the project, lead author Dian Andriany and her team from Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati noted, "Revitalization activities not only focus on improving facilities and spatial arrangement, but also on developing literacy activities for the community, especially children, creating spaces where young learners can interact with reading materials actively and funly."

Author Profiles
Dian Andriany — Lead Researcher and Corresponding Author, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati. Expertise in community service, education, and literacy development.
Vania Dwi Agustina, Hafiz Rafa Naufaldy, Selviana Monika, Ratna Kartika Dewi, Sindi Nurazizah, Muhammad Isa Setya Nugraha, Ayu Widarsih, Vanya Salsabila, Billal Ramadhani, Muhammad Alwan Amrullah, Abdul Karim, Tiara Amanda Putri, Fikrie Harjono, Salman Alfarizi, Najwa Sabila — Research Team Members, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati. Expertise in community development, student engagement, and educational outreach.

Source
Dian Andriany, Vania Dwi Agustina, Hafiz Rafa Naufaldy, Selviana Monika, Ratna Kartika Dewi, Sindi Nurazizah, Muhammad Isa Setya Nugraha, Ayu Widarsih, Vanya Salsabila, Billal Ramadhani, Muhammad Alwan Amrullah, Abdul Karim, Tiara Amanda Putri, ⁠Fikrie Harjono, Salman Alfarizi, Najwa Sabila. Revitalization of Community Reading Gardens as an Effort to Increase Community Reading and Literacy Interest in Bothanan Village. Asian Journal of Community Services (AJCS). Vol. 5, No. 9, Tahun 2026, hlm. 733-742.
DOI Resmi: https://doi.org/10.55927/ajcs.v5i9.75
URL : https://journalajcs.my.id/index.php/ajcs