The internet is the go-to place for most of us when there is a need to equip oneself with knowledge and information. When information is available at the click of a mouse, it wouldn’t be a surprise to think that the days of libraries are numbered and the dependency on them is getting scarcer. But the trend of going to libraries should be revived as author Neil Gaiman explains, “The simplest way to make sure that we raise literate children is to teach them to read, and to show them that reading is a pleasurable activity. And that means, at its simplest, finding books that they enjoy, giving them access to those books, and letting them read them.” And what better place to start than at a perpustakaan nearest to you?

A perpustakaan, which means “library” in Malay, is a place of knowledge and for many it is the perfect spot to discover the wonders of imagination and the ability to live different lives with every book they read. This month, The Expat identifies some of the libraries that are worth visiting. Not only will you be awed by the selection of books made available at these libraries, but it also offers children a fun environment while learning.

1. Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur

Image shown is not actual image of Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur

To the uninitiated, Kuala Lumpur is a maze of treasures, and at almost every turn you will discover something new about the city. One of those treasures is the Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur, which is located on Jalan Raja, in the heart of the city. Formerly functioning as the Government Printing Offices in 1899, the library offers more than 50,000 books from across different genres such as fiction, non-fiction, and reference books among others. What is unique to the Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur are the special corners. Visitors to this library will find the KL Corner and Lincoln Corner a treat. The former, with reading materials and photography about KL, provides visitors an opportunity to learn and understand better the history and culture of the multi-cultural capital. The latter, on the other hand, is managed by the American Embassy and exhibits the United States of America’s history, education system, business opportunities, cultures, and travelling tips. For your children, there is a kids library, next to the main library, where you can leave your young ones to soak up some knowledge.

The KL library with its mini-auditorium, conference hall, training room, and two gallery exhibition halls is indeed a place for book lovers to find solace.

Note: The children’s section of the library is currently undergoing upgrading works. The expected completion date is set as 4 February 2019 for now. 

2. Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) Library

Nestled within the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur office in Mid Valley City is the Japan Foundation Library. Although located inside a private space, the library is open to both members and non-members and it offers a good selection of fiction and nonfiction Japan-related books in Japanese, English and Bahasa Malaysia. In addition to the books, there is also an audio-visual corner where readers can enjoy Japanese films ranging from black-and-white classics to current mainstream releases; documentaries on Japanese traditional and contemporary culture, lifestyle, places and more; popular drama series as well as music records and Japanese language-learning audio books on CD and cassette. Designed with giving visitors a taste of Japan, tatami space for readers to browse and read manga comfortably and visit packages for universities, schools and even kindergartens to experience cultural activities such as traditional games, origami, tea room etiquette and more are available here.

The JFKL Library offers a quiet environment, conducive for studying and reading, and is a haven for anyone intending to learn a new culture.

3. Playcentre Library, Petaling Jaya

Photo credit: Playcentre, Facebook

Understanding that inculcating the reading habit from young is vital, it is interesting to note that there are many reading spaces in the city catering to kids. One such place is the Playcentre Library in Seksyen 6, Petaling Jaya. Housed within a bungalow lot, this non-profit library operated by volunteers is well-maintained by expats in Kuala Lumpur and offers young ones a wide selection of books. It comes as a pleasant surprise for parents to discover that the books are all in excellent condition and the titles are new, current, and suitable for children of all ages and are aimed at improving reading ability. Parents accompanying the children to the
library can fill their time with a small but comprehensive selection of books. With membership as low as RM16 a year, the Playcentre Library is a great place to take your kids.

For a small fee, the Playcentre Library also organises a playgroup session meant for children four years and below every Thursday. The playgroup is a fun and educational way for children to learn as well as to make new friends.

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Source: The Expat Magazine March 2015