Menghidupkan Literasi di Desa Kecil: Optimalisasi Perpustakaan dan Penguatan Budaya Baca Anak di Desa Karangnangka

Abstract

Children's literacy in rural areas continues to face structural challenges, including in Karangnangka Village, Binangun Sub-district, Cilacap Regency, which has limited educational and library facilities. This study draws on theories of village library management and the concept of child-friendly literacy spaces, referring to literature on library management, literacy space design, and the importance of diverse reading collections in supporting children's reading interest. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach through the Thematic Community Service Program (KKN), with data collected through field observation, direct participation in literacy activities, and collaboration with the Cilacap Children's Forum and the Binangun Sub-district Children's Forum. The findings show that the Ripta Sejahtera Village Library, which is still combined with an early childhood education (PAUD) facility, has been successfully transformed into a multidimensional interactive space through a play-based learning approach, self-potential introduction education, and socialization on bullying and child sexual abuse prevention. However, the sustainability of the program remains constrained by the lack of trained human resources, limited funding, limited collection variety, and an underdeveloped book distribution system to schools. In conclusion, optimizing limited literacy spaces can support the strengthening of children's reading culture, but requires continuous institutional strengthening, human resources, funding, and cross-sector collaboration so that the program's achievements do not decline after the KKN ends.