The first thing we noticed when we entered the library was that it was super clean and tidy. Some of the furniture had been rearranged to make good use of the space and it felt welcoming. It was a tangible difference. When we met the new head, Mukhtar, he was welcoming and very encouraging and apologetic because he had a speech to deliver elsewhere in the morning, but he promised to return in the afternoon to meet with us.
Katherine and I spent the morning with the staff. Katherine gave a presentation on how you tailor library service around community demographics. There were a lot of pictures from Mission 1 in the presentation and this really tickled the staff and made it resonate. I have to find some pictures that will work with my presentation on creating a business plan....a bit of a challenge!
In the afternoon we met with Mukhtar. We wanted to review what we had covered during Mission 1 and also get a chance to know one another. It didn't take long to realize that we all shared the common belief that libraries build communities. He understood the work that needs to be done and was glad of the CALGAP assistance. As a matter of protocol, we exchanged business cards....he told us that we were 'relatives now'....this made us feel very welcome. We ended the afternoon with a review of Canadian library service with all of the staff.
Now for those that find the library posts dry...I have some food to tell you about.
We were treated to some fruit. Oranges we know, but snakefruit was something different. It has a stiff leathery skin, much like a snake which was quite sharp under your fingernails when you peel it. They are a mahogany colour. Inside was a white coloured fruit that was a bit bitter. It comes in three parts. Apparently the same fruit is much sweeter in Java. I think I will have to go to Java to really get the true flavour. I found it a bit bitter but ate it anyway.
The other fruit was rambutan, it means hairy fruit. It is a red colour with spiky hair. The spikes look sharp but they are actually quite soft. It tasted like a lichee. You can buy a bundle of about 12 for 5 cents. I would eat these at home if I could find them. I am sure they could be found.
When we got home we did some Pilates. We set up the mats in the living area and Manon, Katherine and I stretched away. We are trying to find some sort of exercise that works here in the heat. I think we have found it.
It was a very good day...and now if I could only get over the jet lag all would be perfect!
Until next post,
Dawna.
5 comments:
Dawna and K
What makes you think that anyone associated with the library would find library posts dry?
But, you're right, the snake fruit does sound more interesting.
And everything else sounds promising...
Dawna and Katherine,
You are amazing! The last time I saw you, Dawna, you were eating cod cheeks (and now its snakefruit). And Katherine, you look as at home as on the streets of T.O.
Your library posts are far from dry. It is fascinating to draw points of reference from your comments that help us begin to understand Indonesian communities & libraries in comparison to ours in Ontario.
I find it exciting to hear that the belief that LIBRARIES BUILD COMMUNITIES is generally shared, even across oceans, continents, hemispheres. We can understand our passion for this belief when we appreciate that it rings true universally.
I'm curious about the transition, how it came to be that the head of the library was replaced and how Mukhtar was selected. How wonderful that he shares this appreciation about libraries and community!
I'm curious too about what sort of audience Mukhtar was speaking to in the morning. Also, how did the corporate sound of the phrase "business plan" resonate? is it a language they can appreciate?
Sam I am
You build me up and you put me on hold. So did the staff do what they were supposed to do from Mission 1? It wasn't just to clean up the place, was it?
So much excitement in the library and in the market!
Good blog...
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Wow that Sylph is a tough customer. Thanks for the addition of fruit to your menu.
Seriously, though, you sound like you are making more concrete headway this time.
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