Amidst the hustle and bustle of the digital world, there is one place that remains as a silent space for knowledge seekers: the 'Library'.  Every February 14, Library Lover's Day is a moment for literacy lovers to appreciate spaces full of knowledge, nostalgia, and boundless imagination-a timeless romance.

However, amidst the dominance of the digital era, do libraries still have a place in the hearts of modern man?

A Short Story, The Beginning of Library Lovers' Day
Based on information from various sources, this celebration began when the State Library of New South Wales (NSW) initiated an initiative to invite people to love libraries again. The goal was simple: to increase public appreciation for literacy spaces that are increasingly marginalized by the digital world.

By placing Library Lovers' Day on the same date as Valentine's Day, the campaign aims to show that love for science is just as meaningful as love between people.

Over time, the initiative spread to other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia, which began to adopt the celebration by holding various activities, such as book discussions, rare archive exhibitions, and community-based educational programs.

In addition, campaigns on social media and literacy activities in schools, universities, and public libraries are a form of expression of the spirit of loving places that are warehouses of knowledge.

Library: A Romance That Never Gets Old
For many, a library is more than just a shelf of books. It is a place where one can get lost in the pages of a story, explore history, and rediscover oneself. Libraries are home to seekers of meaning - academics, writers, and those who simply want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the world.

For example, the Library of Congress in the United States holds more than 173 million items, making it one of the largest libraries in the world. Meanwhile in Indonesia, the National Library of Indonesia has more than 4 million collections and is the tallest library in the world with 27 floors.

In the midst of the digital age, many question whether libraries are still relevant. However, data shows that libraries remain an irreplaceable source of knowledge. According to a UNESCO report, by 2022, more than 2.6 billion people will still rely on libraries for access to information, especially in developing countries.

Libraries, More than Just Bookshelves
Despite the challenges, efforts to maintain the library's role as a center of literacy and culture have not waned. Many modern libraries now provide discussion rooms, seminars, and modern technology facilities to support learning.

For example, the Helsinki City Library in Finland has been transformed into a digital innovation center, complete with recording studios, co-working spaces, and 3D printing services. Meanwhile, in Japan, the Minna no Mori Gifu Media Cosmos library offers a more immersive reading experience with futuristic architecture and interactive technology.

In Indonesia, some libraries are also starting to adapt. The National Library of Indonesia now has a digital service that allows access to more than 1.5 million electronic book collections. Meanwhile, initiatives such as the Mobile Library Movement bring literacy access to remote areas using mobile vehicles and even library boats.

No less interesting, at UIN Jakarta Campus.Who says UIN Jakarta Library is just a dusty place for books?Various interesting activities, from seminars, discussions, book reviews, to information literacy classes are presented at UIN Jakarta Library. In addition to various activities, UIN Jakarta Library in improving access to information, introduces ‘Touch & Go Mobile Library’ - a digital platform that pampers the UIN Jakarta academic community in accessing reading materials anytime and anywhere - directly from smartphone gadgets.

Ultimately, Library Lovers' Day is not just a celebration, but a reminder that behind every page of a book is a story that changed the world. In the fast-paced digital age, libraries remain a place for those who want to think deeper, find inspiration, and connect with the past and the future. *RMr

So, on this day, why not head back to the library? Among the silent bookshelves, there might be one book that will change your life forever.

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