DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERACTIVE MINI LIBRARY THROUGH THE “AKU SUKA BACA” PROGRAM TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN READING

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and implement an Interactive Mini Library through the “Aku Suka Baca” program and examine its potential contribution to students’ reading interest and engagement in a community-based non-formal education setting. The study employed a mixed-methods approach using a Research and Development (R&D) design adapted from Borg and Gall. The participants consisted of 16 elementary school students at Sikkola Rakyat Rumah Belajar Jalur Hijau. The developed product integrated interactive folklore storybooks, character cards, scene cards, vocabulary cards, worksheets, a literacy website, QR Codes, Augmented Reality (AR) features, and volunteer mentoring. Data were collected through reading-interest questionnaires, observations, and documentation. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively by comparing pretest and posttest scores, while qualitative data were used to support the interpretation of findings. The results indicated an increase in students’ reading-interest scores from 29.75 to 35.06, representing an improvement of approximately 17.85%. Student engagement during program implementation reached 87.19%, exceeding the predetermined target of 80%. Although reading-achievement scores decreased during the short implementation period, the findings suggest that the program contributed positively to students’ interest and participation in literacy activities. The novelty of this study lies in the development of a hybrid literacy model that integrates physical literacy media, digital technology, structured reading activities, and volunteer facilitation into a single literacy ecosystem. The study contributes an alternative framework for literacy development in community-based non-formal educational environments with limited resources.