Pondok Pekak Library

Another visit to Ketut yesterday jogged my memory that I had not yet written about Pondok Pekak Library and Resource Centre. Yes, believe it or not, this is the third visit to Ketut's traditional boreh massage place (aka House of Pain), but I have been opting for marginally less intensive treatments, such as shoulder and leg massages. Firm, but not as eye-watering as the reflexology. Eddie meanwhile has had his third full boreh treatment and declares that he feels great. I tried boreh last week. I didn't mind the messy paste part, but I found the sauna slightly claustrophic, although the herbs smelled wonderful. As an aside, Wayan's (the reflexology master) first child was born last week so he has been taking some parental leave. A little girl, also called Wayan. Of course.

The common denominator with Ketut's place and Pondok Pekak is Made Sumendra, who is connected with both. He started the library along with his late wife Laurie Billington in 1995 with the aim to introduce reading and culture to local children who had no access to books. Situated on the east side of the football field, there is not much indication of what to expect as you enter the distinctive archway. Beyond is a traditional family compound, and to the right is the entrance to what appears to be a small room. Not so! The space expands to reveal an extensive collection* of well organised books leading to an even larger space with a children's collection in a variety of languages, a reading area, and an activity area complete with gamelan. There is even more space upstairs.

The library was built as an annex to the family compound and named after Made's grandfather, Pekak Mangku. It's lovely to know that Pondok Kekak literally translates as 'grandfather's little resting house in the rice field'. As well as a lending service, for which a modest fee** is payable, the centre offers cultural classes in wood carving, offerings, fruit and vegetable carving, gamelan, silver jewellery making, Balinese dance and traditional painting - all the arts of Bali. It also serves as a practice space for choirs, language classes, poetry readings and other performances.

This fabulous resource is another haven of peace from the Jl. Monkey Forest bustle and well worth a visit if you are in town. The library is always in need of books, but particularly Indonesian language children's books. Books can be donated or purchased new at the also-wonderful Ganesha Bookshop. It's a very practical way for visiting book lovers to help.

*More than 10000 items
**Rp250,000 a year for all you can read, or a refundable deposit for short-term visitors