Community Development in Rural Public Libraries: Supporting Social Inclusion and Library Transformation; Desarrollo comunitario en las bibliotecas públicas rurales: apoyando la inclusión social y la transformación de las bibliotecas

This research aims to explore the role of public libraries in the development of rural communities and its impact on social inclusion through a case study. The replication of the Social Inclusion-Based Library Transformation (SILT) Program was carried out by the Regional Library and Archives Office of Gunungkidul (the Gunungkidul public library) to support the development of rural communities. Data collection methods included participant observation and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving 5 facilitators from the library and 10 participants from rural communities. The results indicate that community centres act as a place to shareinformation and community activities. Two village libraries, located in Kalurahan Mulo and Kalurahan Tepus, Gunungkidul district, have two community development activities related to batik. The empowerment program facilitated by the library enable rural communities to actively engage in social, economic, and cultural activities. It is evident that the training activities organized by the library not only serve as a platform for preserving local culture but also provide economic development opportunities for the community. The research highlights the importance of the role of village libraries in promoting social inclusion and the development of rural communities. © 2024 Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Filosofia y Letras. All rights reserved.