TRENGGALEK – Trenggalek reading interest remains low, with the district scoring 57.54 on Indonesia’s Reading Interest Index (TKM), placing it in the national “low” category and prompting authorities to expand community literacy services.

The head of Trenggalek Archives and Library Service, Catur Budi Prasetyo, said improving reading culture requires easier physical access to books. He stressed that proximity to libraries strongly influences whether residents develop reading habits.

“We recognize that physical closeness matters. When libraries are near communities, people read more,” he said.

Despite rapid digital access to information, many residents still prefer printed books. According to Catur, readers often find long texts on phones uncomfortable. This preference shows that physical libraries still play a key role in local literacy development.

To address the low reading index, the agency has expanded collaboration with nearby institutions. These include village libraries and school libraries, which officials consider strategic partners in reaching communities directly.

The service also runs outreach campaigns encouraging residents to register as library members. Membership allows free access to available book collections and literacy programs.

Officials hope stronger cooperation between government, schools, and villages will gradually raise reading interest in Trenggalek. Authorities see sustained access and community engagement as essential to building long-term literacy culture.