Faces of Jakarta Citra, the Library of the National Library

Faces of Jakarta Citra, the Library of the National Library -

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"I guess if there was a fire and I could not save a thing, it would have to be a copy of the 16th century Negarakertagama ( "The history of Java") by Prapantja, "said Citra wrinkling his forehead and tapping his finger to his temple. "But really it's so hard to decide. There is also Babad Diponegoro ( 'The Chronicle of Diponegoro') [The first biography in modern Indonesian history, chronicling the life of the prince of Java, who lived from 1785 to 1855]. And there are also many famous paintings here at the library."

A library is only as good as its librarians. Fortunately, the National Library, located on Jalan Salemba in the heart of Jakarta Central, Citra.

For the past six years, Citra, who boards a train and a bajaj every day, wakes up long before the sun rises to browse the two hours it takes to Depok move its domicile to the nine-story library, where she mans the information desk or the media center, pointing people toward periodicals and newspapers.

"The most satisfying thing we do is happiness that comes from helping people find what they need," said Citra. "We meet many people every day to searching for so many different things. We help them to become more creative by giving them books, articles and manuscripts they are looking for. "

Citra is one of 70 full-time librarians, trained and tested to the point everyone kindergartners to octogenarians, to exactly what they want from the batteries. but the brigade Citra and librarians are not only proud of the books and the wealth of information covering the walls, but also the rich history of the national Library.

"There are so many rich historical texts here in the building. UNESCO has recognized many documents here Babad Diponegoro ( 'The Chronicle of Diponegoro), are on the list of global memory. "

Citra breathed a sigh of relief, remembering that the delicate manuscripts held in the National Library are stored in safes fireproof the fifth floor.

enjoying ancient books, manuscripts and even a book of poems written in Yogyakarta gold ink, as far back as 1556, the national Library beats a trip to the mall one day.

But that is the problem, with 173 shopping centers to choose from Jakarta has little use for libraries. Hailing a taxi and ask the driver to take you to the national Library and it can return a look of confusion. few people know that the Library national is, let alone what is on the inside. Citra hope all that changes soon.

"people do not know much about the national Library, but once they come to see what is in and tell their friends, then we will have more people who know us. For now, we just students and researchers who roam the halls. Maybe one day - we have free WiFi - we have a different crowd "

A trip to the National Library on a weekday afternoon is a great way to explore a more cultured side the city .. Keep an eye on Citra, or one of her fellow librarians, they would be happy to show you around

Perpustakaan Nasional is open from 8:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday. - Saturday
. 62 (0) 21 3922 855

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