YOGYAKARTA – Something was different at SD Muhammadiyah Karangbendo that morning. The laughter of pupils, the cheers filling the school sports hall, and rows of neatly arranged books all stood as silent witnesses to the culmination of a journey of dedication.

On Saturday, 7 February 2026, the Library Science Student Organization (OMIP) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga officially closed their annual flagship program, Bakti Pustaka XI. This activity was far from a mere brief ceremony; it was the peak of a month-long effort to revitalize the school library, a process that had begun on 10 January.

Carrying the meaningful theme “With Great Literacy Comes Great Responsibility”, this year’s Bakti Pustaka highlighted that literacy is not only about the ability to read, but also about a greater responsibility to enlighten the nation.

Bakti Pustaka XI at SD Muhammadiyah Karangbendo

The closing event brought together key stakeholders: the Chair of PCM Umbulharjo who delivered a warm address, representatives from the Library Science Student Association (HMPS), the Library Science Students Association (ALUS), former board members, alumni, and the Organizational Advisory Council (DPO). Their presence underscored the strong support for collaborative literacy initiatives between campus and schools.

The atmosphere at the SD Muhammadiyah Karangbendo sports hall transformed into a stage of creativity when selected pupils opened the program with captivating art performances. Their shows demonstrated not only artistic talent but also growing confidence fostered through the series of literacy activities.

Competitions that spark joy and creativity

The excitement continued with various competitions designed to sharpen different aspects of the pupils’ abilities. In the dexterity category, games such as balloon dancing and water relay brought laughter and teamwork to the fore. Creativity was nurtured through coloring and poetry-reading contests, while picture-guessing competitions trained their critical thinking and visual literacy.

These activities were not mere entertainment. Each game and competition was carefully designed to cultivate joy in learning, strengthen social interaction among pupils, and bring them closer to the library as a fun, engaging space.

Storytelling and the living “heart” of the school

The highlight of the day was a storytelling session that captivated the entire audience. Through the storyteller’s narrative, pupils were invited into a world of imagination while absorbing moral values woven into the story. The session showed how stories can become a powerful medium to shape character and build empathy in children.

At the end of the event, the principal of SD Muhammadiyah Karangbendo, Hartini, S.Ag., Gr., expressed her deep emotion and appreciation. She emphasized that the students’ dedication over almost a month had not only put the library in better order systemically, but had also brought it back to life as the “heart” of the school’s literacy.

“We are very grateful for the dedication of the students,” she said. “Our library is now not only neat in terms of system, but has come alive again as the heart of literacy for our children.”

Through Bakti Pustaka XI, OMIP Liberty has left a meaningful literacy footprint in Karangbendo, demonstrating how collaboration between universities and schools can transform a library from a merely physical room into a living center of learning and imagination.

Written by:

Muhammad Annas Mufid (mfd)