The Ramadan study session titled "Optimizing Fasting for Health and Disease Prevention" was successfully held on Friday, March 7, 2025, in the Seminar Room, Building L1, 2nd Floor, UGM Library and Archives. This event was a collaborative effort between the UGM Muslimah Friendship Forum (Forsilam), the UGM Library and Archives Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP), and the UGM Health Promoting University (HPU).

Featuring Prof. Dr. dr. Denny Agustiningsih, M.Kes, AIFM, as the keynote speaker, the session explored how fasting is not only a spiritual practice but also offers significant health benefits. In her presentation, Prof. Denny explained that fasting helps detoxify the body, boost metabolism, and plays a role in preventing various diseases. This session was moderated by Arifah Suryaningsih, Chair of the DWP Library and Archives UGM, who helped guide the discussion to be more engaging and interactive. The event received an enthusiastic response, with hundreds of participants joining both in person and online via Zoom Meeting and YouTube.

Beyond the insightful discussion, the event was further enlivened by the Ramadan Bazaar, offering a variety of food, refreshing beverages, and other quality products. The presence of the bazaar not only added to the festive Ramadan atmosphere but also provided a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products.

This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The educational aspect of the event supports efforts to improve public well-being and promote a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the inclusion of expert speakers reflects a commitment to providing access to quality education. The collaboration among various stakeholders in this event also highlights the importance of partnerships in creating a broader positive impact.

With a spirit of education and togetherness, this event serves as concrete proof that Ramadan is not only a time to strengthen faith but also an opportunity to improve health, share knowledge, and enhance social and economic networks within the UGM community.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

Something was different in the lobby of the UGM Library and Archives on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Stacks of books were not merely inanimate objects but a small army ready to embark on a new journey to their new home. A total of 60 titles with 68 copies, donated by library patrons through the Book Donation @UGMLibrary program, were handed over to Saraswati Library in Sinduharjo Village, Ngaglik, Sleman. This donation is part of an effort to expand access to reading materials for communities in need.

This donation program does not only target school libraries but also extends to village libraries and reading communities. As the distribution of reading materials grows, so does literacy within society. The right book in the right hands can inspire, open opportunities, and help build a brighter future.

This book donation is not just about giving—it is about planting seeds of change. Every page turned can mark the beginning of new dreams, ignite imagination, and cultivate curiosity. In the hands of readers, these books will live a second life—as a source of inspiration that continues to flow and bring meaning to those who read them.

More than just a donation, this initiative is a tangible step in supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Education is not limited to classrooms; it is also about providing opportunities to learn anywhere, including through libraries that continue to grow and serve their communities.

With this donation, Saraswati Library is expected to thrive and become a more active learning hub for the surrounding community. The UGM Library and Archives also remain committed to fostering collaboration with various stakeholders to expand literacy programs and improve access to knowledge for all.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh