A man, a horse and a collection of books create a mobile library

SPH Brightcove Video
A man and his horse trot around villages in rural Indonesia with a small stack of books, hoping to encourage children to read.

It's all 42-year old Ridwan Sururi - who goes by the name Ruri - needed to start a mobile library.

Three days a week, Ruri and his horse Luna travel through rural Indonesia to bring free books to children.

"The purpose of this library is to encourage reading. The reason why I used the horse is because, in my opinion, the horse is what attracts children... Without realizing, their interest in reading will grow. So, it is more convenient for them because we come to them." he says.

And the children seem to love it too.

"I am very delighted with this horse library. Because it helps me to gain knowledge and helps me with my school work." said Febriyan Eko Wiyanto, a student.

Neng Suryani, another student, said "There is absolutely no charge for this, I borrow the books for free, and I hope the book collection will grow and the children in this village will read more and be smart."

All of the books have been donated to what's become known as the "horse library".

And although the literacy rate in Indonesia is very high, locals say, children are more interested in watching television.

Maybe regular visits from the "horse library" will help children discover the simple joy that comes from reading a good book.

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