The Role of School Libraries in Enhancing the Interest and Initial Reading Abilities of Elementary School Students

This research delves into the role of school libraries in enhancing the interest and initial reading abilities of elementary school students. Using a literature review method, the study identifies that the school library is not merely a repository of books but a pivotal learning center crucial in shaping children's literacy. Findings indicate that creative programs such as book clubs, storytelling performances, and other literacy activities create an environment that stimulates students' reading interest, while access to diverse reading materials supports the development of initial reading skills. Integrated strategies of the school library with the curriculum and parental involvement also have a positive impact on shaping the literacy of elementary school students. The conclusion of this research underscores the need for increased investment and attention to the role of the school library as an educational agent supporting literacy development at the elementary level.


INTRODUCTION
Reading interest and ability are not merely skills but essential foundations for the intellectual growth of students at the elementary education level.In an ever-evolving information era, reading proficiency is not only a practical skill but also a key element in the development of students' comprehension, critical reasoning, and analytical thinking [1].Therefore, the school library, as the core of literacy learning, becomes an indispensable element in shaping a strong literacy foundation among students [2].The rapid development of technology and information has transformed the school library paradigm from being just a repository of books to a dynamic learning center.
Currently, the school library not only provides access to various book collections but also serves as an innovation hub in implementing technology to enhance literacy [3].The school library no longer pursues traditional stacks of books alone but also aligns itself with the digital age, offering online learning platforms, digital resources, and collaborative spaces that enrich students' literacy experiences.
The strategic role of the school library in shaping literacy foundations extends beyond managing book collections or learning facilities [4].More than that, the school library creates an environment that stimulates students' reading interest through the development of engaging literacy programs.Book clubs, creative workshops, and literary performances are just a few examples of the diverse initiatives introduced by the school library to create a enjoyable and profound learning atmosphere.Thus, the school library not only offers books as sources of information but also serves as a catalyst in igniting students' passion for reading.As a crucial learning center, the school library not only cultivates competent readers but also shapes resilient literacy characters from an early age.
The positive reading experiences created by the school library open doors to the development of students' creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking [5].Therefore, the school library serves as a bridge connecting the literacy world with students' personal and academic development, helping them become critical and skilled readers in this modern era.
The school library, through its central role, is not just a physical storage place for books but a strategic environment to develop the reading interest of elementary school students.Positive early reading experiences in the library form a strong foundation, creating a robust basis for the development of children's literacy characters.When students feel the vibrant reading atmosphere, their curiosity is stimulated, and the joy of reading becomes a captivating experience [6].This reading experience is not merely an activity but a colorful journey into a rich and profound world of literacy.The school library's role as a primary facilitator in developing the reading interest of elementary school students becomes increasingly crucial in the context of children's literacy development.The school library not only provides books as reading materials but also creates an atmosphere that stimulates reading interest.By offering access to various book collections and organizing engaging literacy activities, the school library helps shape a reading interest that is personal and sustainable [7].
The early development of reading interest in the school library has a significant positive impact on the initial reading abilities of elementary school students.A strong reading interest serves as a primary motivator, encouraging students to actively engage in reading activities [8].This not only opens a window to the world of knowledge but also enhances early reading skills, forms deep understanding, and stimulates the development of students' critical thinking.In this context, this research aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the actual role of the school library in creating an atmosphere that stimulates the reading interest of elementary school students [9].
Through further exploration and analysis, it is expected that the findings of this research will contribute meaningfully to the development of literacy strategies at the elementary level.The school library is not just a place where books are stored; it is a vital stage in shaping a generation with love and dedication to literacy, bringing long-term positive impacts on children's educational development [10].
In addition to the school library's role in creating a stimulating reading interest atmosphere, the close connection between interest and early reading abilities is a critical aspect that needs attention.The naturally growing reading interest in the school library environment not only serves as a motivation to read but also becomes a key factor in increasing students' intensity and engagement in various reading activities.The school library, as a catalyst in shaping reading interest, plays a strategic role in advancing students' journey towards mastering higher reading abilities [11].
Providing adequate access to various reading materials suitable for the developmental level of elementary school students is one of the key points offered by the school library.Through the provision of quality and diverse books, the school library not only invites reading interest but also provides opportunities for students to broaden their knowledge, form deep understanding, and enhance their critical thinking abilities from an early age [12], [13].
The various high-quality books available in the school library serve as a means for students to progressively sharpen their reading skills.Thus, the school library is not just a repository of knowledge but also a center for holistic literacy development [14].The diverse and quality reading experiences gained in the school library open windows of opportunity for students to explore various genres, enhance interpretation skills, and train their critical thinking, all starting from the early stages of learning in elementary school.By creating a mutually supportive relationship between reading interest and early reading abilities, the school library becomes not only a place for formal learning but also a platform for comprehensive self-development [15], [16].Therefore, a deep understanding of the role of the school library in integrating reading interest and reading abilities should be used as a strategic foundation in designing literacy policies and programs at the elementary education level [17].
Furthermore, the school library not only plays a role in enhancing individual reading abilities but also has a positive impact on students' cognitive and social development.This emphasizes the importance of cultivating a reading culture in the school library as a social activity [18].Through shared reading activities and exchanging reading experiences, students can build a literacy community that supports collective literacy growth.This becomes an integral part of understanding the role of the school library as an agent in shaping character and literacy among elementary school students.To achieve these goals, this research will delve into effective strategies and programs that the school library can implement to enhance the reading interest and abilities of elementary school students.By understanding the complexity of the relationship between the school library, reading interest, and reading abilities, it is hoped that the results of this research can make a real contribution to the development of literacy education at the elementary level and formulate recommendations applicable to stakeholders to enhance the role of the school library in supporting children's literacy in Indonesia.

METHODS
This research employs a literature review method to explore and analyze the role of the school library in enhancing the reading interest and abilities of elementary school students.The following are the research stages to be conducted [19]:

1) Theme Identification and Literature
Search The initial stage of this research will begin with the identification of the main theme, which is the role of the school library in enhancing the reading interest and abilities of elementary school students.The researcher will conduct a literature search using academic databases, digital libraries, and relevant sources to collect articles, books, and scholarly papers related to the research theme.

2) Literature Selection and Sorting
After literature collection, the researcher will conduct selection and sorting based on relevance to the research objectives.Literature that is not suitable will be eliminated, while literature contributing significantly to the understanding of the school library's role in elementary students' literacy will be retained.

3) Literature Analysis and Synopsis
The selected literature will undergo a thorough analysis.The researcher will create synopses for each piece of literature, identify key findings, and record relevant data regarding the role of the school library in enhancing the reading interest and abilities of elementary school students.This analysis will help the researcher understand comparisons, similarities, and differences in previous research results.

4) Classification of Literature Findings
Following literature analysis, the researcher will classify literature findings into specific categories, such as school library strategies, the impact of reading interest on reading abilities, and factors supporting literacy in the school library environment.This will aid in summarizing key findings related to the research topic.

5) Construction of Conceptual Framework
Based on the analyzed literature findings, the researcher will construct a conceptual framework that serves as the theoretical foundation for this research.This conceptual framework will clarify the relationship between the school library, reading interest, and reading abilities of elementary school students.

6) Drafting the Literature Review Manuscript
The researcher will draft the literature review manuscript, including an introduction, conceptual framework, literature analysis, and key findings.This manuscript will serve as the basis for the discussion and conclusion in the research report.

7) Alignment with Relevant Theories and Concepts
This research will align literature findings with relevant theories and concepts that support and strengthen the research argument.This will provide a strong theoretical foundation for the research results.
By following these stages, this research will provide a comprehensive overview of the role of the school library in enhancing the reading interest and abilities of elementary school students based on relevant literature studies.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Based on the literature review conducted, this research has yielded significant findings regarding the role of the school library in enhancing the interest and reading abilities of elementary school students.

1) The Role of the School Library in Cultivating Reading Interest:
Literature studies indicate that the school library is not just a storage place for books but also an environment that can stimulate the reading interest of elementary school students.Creative programs such as book clubs, storytelling performances, and other literacy activities in the school library can create positive reading experiences.This was found to have a direct impact on increasing the reading interest of students from an early age [20].

2) Access to Various Reading Materials:
The school library plays a crucial role in providing students access to various types of reading materials appropriate for their developmental level.Through a diverse collection of books, students can find reading material that aligns with their interests and comprehension levels, supporting the development of early reading skills [21].

3) Formation of Literacy Communities:
Literature studies highlight the importance of the school library as a place for the formation of literacy communities.Through shared reading activities and book discussions, students can share their reading experiences, building a literacy community that supports collective literacy development.This not only enhances reading interest but also shapes social skills and critical thinking [22].4) Effective School Library Strategies: Literature analysis also reveals various effective strategies in improving the interest and reading abilities of elementary school students through the school library.Implementing literacy programs integrated with the curriculum, involving parents in reading activities, and utilizing technology as a learning tool are some of the strategies found to be successful in enhancing student literacy at the elementary level [23].

5) Positive Relationship between Reading Interest and Reading Abilities:
Literature studies affirm that there is a positive relationship between reading interest and the early reading abilities of elementary school students.Students with high reading interest tend to have better reading abilities.Therefore, the school library, as the primary facilitator of reading interest, is considered a crucial factor in improving the reading abilities of elementary school students [24].
Based on the results of the literature study, the school library plays an integral role in shaping the literacy foundation of elementary school students.Improving reading interest through the school library has a positive impact on the early reading abilities of students.Therefore, this research recommends the expansion and development of literacy programs in school libraries as a strategic step in supporting children's literacy at the elementary level [8].Additionally, collaboration among schools, libraries, and parents needs to be strengthened to create a literacy ecosystem that supports the holistic development of students.
This study reveals several important findings that provide deep insights into the role of the school library in shaping the literacy of elementary school students [7].By examining the literature review, we can understand that the school library is not just a space for storing books but an educational entity with a significant impact on the development of reading interest and abilities in elementary school children [25].The school library functions not only as a physical storage place for books but also as a venue to inspire and stimulate the reading interest of elementary school students.Creative programs such as book clubs, storytelling performances, and other literacy activities create a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere in the library, which, in turn, shapes a positive perception of reading.In this context, the school library becomes more than just a facility but a center for the continuous development of reading interest [26].
The diversity of book collections in the school library significantly contributes to shaping students' reading interests.By providing access to various reading materials that cover different themes and difficulty levels, the school library offers every student the opportunity to find books suitable for their interests and comprehension levels.This creates a personalized reading experience and supports the development of deeper reading interests [1].However, the role of the school library is not limited to fostering reading interest alone.Well-designed programs in the library also have the potential to contribute significantly to improving the early reading abilities of elementary school students [27].Through shared reading activities and book discussions, students not only enhance their reading skills but also develop a profound understanding of the content of the books.The school library becomes a place where the process of learning to read is not just a task but an adventure of critical thinking and expression [3].
Furthermore, effective strategies in the school library also play a crucial role in enhancing the literacy of elementary school students.The implementation of literacy programs integrated with the curriculum provides a more comprehensive learning context, ensuring that reading activities are not detached from the broader educational context [4].Parental involvement in reading activities also encourages continuous learning beyond the school environment, connecting literacy with students' everyday lives.From the results of this literature review, it can be concluded that the school library is not just a physical space for storing books but an agent of educational transformation.As a center for learning and the development of reading interests, the school library becomes a catalyst in shaping the literacy of children from an early age [6].Therefore, investing in the development of school libraries and enhancing the quality of literacy programs within them is considered a strategic step that can support the literacy development of Indonesian children in this modern era [5].Through dynamic and learning-focused school libraries, we can shape a generation that is not only skilled in reading but also has a profound understanding of the world around them.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this research emphasizes that the school library plays a crucial role in shaping the reading interest and early reading abilities of elementary school students.By providing a stimulating environment, access to diverse reading materials, and effective literacy programs, the school library has the potential to enhance literacy in children from an early age.

RECOMMENDATIONS
As a recommendation, there is a need to strengthen investment in the development of school libraries and the implementation of sustainable literacy programs.Integrating literacy programs with the school curriculum and actively involving parents are expected to reinforce the positive impact of the school library in improving the literacy of elementary school students.Further research is also needed to deepen understanding of the effectiveness of various school library strategies in the context of modern education.