Igniting Minds, empowering Futures

I am Nyoman Mahartana I was born in Tianyar, Bali in 1992, and grew up in a close-knit fisherman community where the ocean was both a livelihood and a playground. My childhood was free and simple—filled with salt air, sandy feet, and the rhythms of village life. It was a time that taught me the value of hard work, connection, and resilience.

In 2008, I left Tianyar and moved to another part of Bali, not out of choice, but out of purpose: to pursue education. I lived with my sister, helping her sell food in the market by day and studying whenever I could. Life wasn’t always easy, but I was determined. same year, my life changed when I received support from the WINS Foundation and the international community. With their help, I was able to continue school and eventually finish vocational education—an opportunity that shaped the course of my future.

Now, my greatest dream is to give back. I want to ensure that other children and adults, especially in rural communities like mine, have access to learning resources, support, and a space to grow. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to projects like the Library for the village, where we work hand in hand with communities to build access to education—one book, one brick, and one dream at a time.

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Aboutus

Why we build this project?

The Library for the Village Projects is a grassroots initiative born from the belief that every child and adult deserves access to knowledge, inspiration, and opportunity—no matter where they live. Our mission is to build a welcoming, educational space at the heart of small rural communities, where books, ideas, and people come together in Tianyar - Bali.

We work closely with local families, schools, and volunteers to design and build libraries that reflect the spirit of the village itself—simple, sustainable, and full of life. These libraries are more than just buildings; they are safe spaces for children to dream, students to study, and elders to share stories. With books, basic digital tools, and community-led programs, we aim to spark a lifelong love of learning.

Whether we’re collecting donated books, training local volunteers, or hosting our very first storytelling circle, everything we do is rooted in collaboration, respect, and hope.

We believe that when you give a village a library, you give it a future.

Our library breakdown costs

Building

• land breakdown: $150

• Construction: $5,000

Furniture and Equipment

• Bookshelves, tables, chairs, rugs: $1,000

• Electrical installation, fans, lighting: $300

Books and Learning Materials

• Books (new and second-hand): $400

• School and art supplies: $500

Technology Support

• Laptops, tablets, projector, printer: $1,000

Operational Costs

• Staff/volunteer stipend (first year): $1,200 ($100/month)

• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $400 per year

Programs and Activities

• Workshops, reading clubs, classes: $600 (first year)

Estimated Total: $13,000 – $13,300

ProjectPhases:

1. Community Engagement & Research

• Conduct needs assessments via surveys or interviews.

• Collaborate with village leaders, schools, and families.

2. Planning & Design

• Choose an accessible, safe location.

• Design a space using low-cost, sustainable materials..

• Include seating areas, shelves, a reading corner, and a computer nook.

3. Book & Resource Collection

• Partner with schools, NGOs, publishers for donations.

• Collect age-appropriate fiction, non-fiction, and educational materials.

4. Opening and Launch Activities

• Host an opening ceremony with the community.

• Offer free reading sessions, art workshops.

• Launch initial educational programs for children and adults.

Ourprogress

After months of planning, community meetings, and partnership building, the project is now taking physical shape. The land has been cleared, the breakingdown land is working. It’s a powerful moment—seeing the dream of a local library turn into something real, right here on the village soil. So far, we’ve:

> a safe and accesable land/location donated by the founder.

> Finalized the architectural design for a simple, sustainable library space.

> Mobilized local workers and volunteers to assist with construction.

> Begun gathering book donations and essential furnishings.

In the months ahead, we’ll be focusing on completing the structure, setting up the interior, and preparing for our grand opening. We’re also building out programs for reading circles, school partnerships, and digital literacy workshops.

This project is only possible because of the passion and support of our community—and we’re just getting started. Every brick laid is a step toward a brighter future filled with learning, creativity, and connection.

How to help us?

"There are many ways to support our library project! Please take a look below and see which option fits your interest and ability best. Simply click!"

fund the construction

donate books, learning materials, technology supports

Buy our art works

Discover our art works for sale and support our local initiatives, Purchases of our artworks will mostly be used to support our library project.

Painting for sale

Our original art works.

Rp 150.000

Buy

Contactus

If you’d like to support a specific donation or need more information about the project, please feel free to contact us below!