Step into the heart of Gianyar’s rich cultural heritage. Before you stands the Perpustakaan Daerah Gianyar a beacon of knowledge and a testament to the community’s dedication to learning. For 33 years the Perpustakaan Daerah Gianyar wandered from place to place. It was a nomadic library lacking a permanent home. It started its journey on January 2 1990. Its early years were spent in less than ideal locations. The library then found temporary refuge in a former elementary school building. Later it nestled on the ground floor of the Gianyar Cultural Center.
Finally in 2023 the Perpustakaan Daerah Gianyar found a permanent home. This magnificent building stands as a symbol of progress. The new building is called the Nawaksara Library. This name is significant. It symbolizes the spread of sacred knowledge. Nawaksara means nine sacred letters. These letters represent the cardinal directions in Balinese Hindu philosophy. Interestingly the name was chosen by the Gianyar Regent Made ‘Agus’ Mahayastra. He even noted that the name was used by Indonesia’s Proklamator Ir Soekarno.
The Nawaksara Library is nestled in a sacred area. This area is near the Pura Samuan Tiga temple. This temple is known for uniting different religious sects. It is also the birthplace of the Trimurti concept in Balinese Hinduism. The library’s location reinforces its role as a center of intellectual and spiritual growth.
The Nawaksara Library is more than just a building. It boasts a modern design. This includes a technology-based information area. A children’s reading area is also available. Even a space for readers with disabilities is present. The library houses a vast collection. Currently this contains 24405 books representing 12200 unique titles.
In 2023 an investment of almost 2.3 billion Rupiah was made. This was to enhance the library’s infrastructure and resources. Future plans include a statue of Soekarno. This will honor his contributions to the nation and the concept of libraries. The hope is that the Perpustakaan Daerah Gianyar will become a truly inclusive space for the community. It will be a central hub for learning and growth for generations to come. The Perpustakaan Daerah Gianyar is a modern library. It aims to attract young people and foster a love of reading. The library serves as a vital cultural resource for Gianyar. It stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to education and the pursuit of knowledge.